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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Garden Grove is 132% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,971/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 40%
$90,166/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 43%
$765,500 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 76%
$2,016/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 37%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $791/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $9,492/year.

Median household income is $38,524/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Waterbury?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $791/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Waterbury?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $38,524/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Waterbury

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa