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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fresno is 33% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,324/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 11%
$66,804/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 23%
$348,500 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 47%
$1,391/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 8%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $15,162/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fresno or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Waterbury?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $15,162/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Waterbury details →

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