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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Los Angeles is 146% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,879/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 37%
$80,366/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 36%
$879,500 ↑ 374%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 79%
$2,055/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 38%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $28,724/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Waterbury?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Waterbury?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $28,724/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Waterbury details →

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