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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Ontario is 100% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,916/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 38%
$82,806/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 38%
$568,000 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 67%
$1,967/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 35%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $31,164/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Ontario or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Waterbury?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Waterbury?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $31,164/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Waterbury

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa