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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fullerton is 157% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,124/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 44%
$104,219/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 50%
$859,600 ↑ 364%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 78%
$2,251/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 43%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $944/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $11,328/year.

Median household income is $52,577/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fullerton or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $944/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Waterbury?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $52,577/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Waterbury details →

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