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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Long Beach is 122% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,803/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 35%
$83,969/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 38%
$762,200 ↑ 311%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 76%
$1,890/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 33%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $623/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $7,476/year.

Median household income is $32,327/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Long Beach or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Waterbury?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $623/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Waterbury?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $32,327/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Waterbury details →

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