Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Lakewood is 86% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,746/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 32%
$85,789/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 40%
$548,200 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 66%
$1,729/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 26%
156,309
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $34,147/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Lakewood or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Waterbury?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Waterbury?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $34,147/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Connecticut?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Waterbury details →

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