Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Elizabeth is 47% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,463/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 19%
$63,874/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 19%
$393,500 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 53%
$1,543/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 17%
135,887
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $12,232/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Waterbury?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Waterbury?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $12,232/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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.
View Elizabeth details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

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