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

Orange

California
206
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Orange is 171% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,252/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 48%
$116,945/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 56%
$900,700 ↑ 386%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 79%
$2,394/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 47%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,072/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $12,864/year.

Median household income is $65,303/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Orange or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Waterbury?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,072/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Waterbury?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $65,303/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Waterbury

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa