Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Providence is 30% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,333/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 11%
$66,772/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 23%
$322,800 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 43%
$1,467/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 13%
190,214
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $15,130/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Providence or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Waterbury?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Waterbury?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $15,130/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Connecticut?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Waterbury details →

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