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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fontana is 92% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,733/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 32%
$98,187/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 47%
$558,500 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 67%
$1,990/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 36%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $46,545/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fontana or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Waterbury?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $46,545/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Waterbury details →

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