Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Elk Grove is 121% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,180/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 46%
$122,229/yr ↑ 137%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 58%
$603,400 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 69%
$2,227/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 43%
177,221
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,000/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $12,000/year.

Median household income is $70,587/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Waterbury?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,000/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Waterbury?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $70,587/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Waterbury details →

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