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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fremont is 266% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,905/mo ↑ 146%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 59%
$176,350/yr ↑ 241%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 71%
$1,289,400 ↑ 595%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 86%
$3,000/mo ↑ 136%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 58%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,725/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $20,700/year.

Median household income is $124,708/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fremont or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,725/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Waterbury?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $124,708/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Waterbury details →

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