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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Oakland is 157% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,917/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 38%
$97,369/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 47%
$924,700 ↑ 399%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 80%
$2,164/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 41%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $45,727/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Oakland or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Waterbury?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Waterbury?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $45,727/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Waterbury details →

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