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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Irvine is 237% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,893/mo ↑ 145%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 59%
$129,647/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 60%
$1,115,400 ↑ 502%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 83%
$2,904/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 56%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,713/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $20,556/year.

Median household income is $78,005/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Irvine or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Waterbury?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,713/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Waterbury?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $78,005/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Waterbury details →

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