Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Newark is 32% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,330/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 11%
$48,416/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↑ 7%
$337,800 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 45%
$1,419/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 10%
307,188
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $3,226/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Newark or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Waterbury?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Waterbury?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $3,226/year higher in Waterbury.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Waterbury details →

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