Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

New York is 118% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,779/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 34%
$79,713/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 35%
$751,700 ↑ 305%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 75%
$1,837/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 31%
8,516,202
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $28,071/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Waterbury — common questions

Is New York or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Waterbury?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Waterbury?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $28,071/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Connecticut?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Waterbury details →

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