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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fairfield is 120% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,191/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 46%
$102,321/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 50%
$592,500 ↑ 220%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 69%
$2,226/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 43%
119,985
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,011/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $12,132/year.

Median household income is $50,679/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fairfield or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,011/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Waterbury?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $50,679/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Waterbury details →

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