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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Modesto is 58% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,609/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 27%
$77,899/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 34%
$415,600 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 55%
$1,613/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 21%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $26,257/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Modesto or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Waterbury?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Waterbury?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $26,257/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Waterbury details →

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