Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Rochester is 20% cheaper than Waterbury.

$1,039/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 14%
$46,628/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↑ 11%
$120,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 54%
$1,009/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 26%
209,720
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $5,014/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Rochester or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Waterbury?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Waterbury?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $5,014/year higher in Waterbury.
How do taxes compare between New York and Connecticut?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

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