Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Madison is 36% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,364/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 13%
$76,983/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 33%
$346,900 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 47%
$1,476/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 14%
275,568
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $25,341/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Madison or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Waterbury?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Waterbury?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $25,341/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Waterbury

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa