Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Raleigh is 45% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,468/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 20%
$82,424/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 37%
$377,800 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 51%
$1,487/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 14%
470,763
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $30,782/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Raleigh or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Waterbury?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Waterbury?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $30,782/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Waterbury details →

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