Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Portland is 82% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,596/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 26%
$88,792/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 67%
$1,771/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 28%
642,715
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.99%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $37,150/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Portland or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Waterbury?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Waterbury?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $37,150/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Connecticut?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Waterbury details →

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