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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Pasadena is 189% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,218/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 47%
$103,778/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 50%
$1,045,000 ↑ 464%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 82%
$2,340/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 46%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,038/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $12,456/year.

Median household income is $52,136/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Pasadena or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Waterbury?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,038/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Waterbury?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $52,136/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Waterbury details →

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