Cost of Living: East Los Angeles, CA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

East Los Angeles

California

134

Waterbury

Connecticut

East Los Angeles is 58% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,431/mo ↑ 21%

Median Rent

$1,180/mo ↓ 18%

$68,378/yr ↑ 32%

Median Income

$51,642/yr ↓ 24%

$613,600 ↑ 231%

Home Value

$185,400 ↓ 70%

$1,458/mo ↑ 15%

Owner Costs

$1,273/mo ↓ 13%

114,617

Population

114,356

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

6.99%

7.25%

Sales Tax

6.35%

0.71%

Property Tax

2.15%

Affordability

25.1%

rent-to-income

Affordability

27.4%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing East Los Angeles, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $16,736/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in East Los Angeles is $613,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

East Los Angeles vs Waterbury — common questions

Is East Los Angeles or Waterbury cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 134 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between East Los Angeles and Waterbury?

Median rent in East Los Angeles is $1,431/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $251/month.

Which city has higher income, East Los Angeles or Waterbury?

Median household income is $68,378 in East Los Angeles and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $16,736/year higher in East Los Angeles.

How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.

Should I move to East Los Angeles or Waterbury?

It depends on your priorities. East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,431/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.