Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Philadelphia is 12% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,323/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 11%
$60,698/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 15%
$232,400 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 20%
$1,233/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 3%
1,582,432
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $9,056/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Waterbury?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Waterbury?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $9,056/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Connecticut?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Waterbury

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa