Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Kent is 91% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,833/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 36%
$90,416/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 43%
$537,500 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 66%
$1,915/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 34%
135,015
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $38,774/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Kent or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Waterbury?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Waterbury?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $38,774/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Connecticut?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Waterbury details →

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