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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Hayward is 163% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,360/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 50%
$113,775/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 55%
$820,700 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 77%
$2,420/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 47%
159,201
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,180/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $14,160/year.

Median household income is $62,133/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Hayward or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Waterbury?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,180/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Waterbury?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $62,133/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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 Hayward details → View Waterbury details →

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