Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Sacramento is 74% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,694/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 30%
$83,753/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 38%
$484,600 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 62%
$1,752/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 27%
524,802
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $32,111/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Sacramento or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Waterbury?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Waterbury?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $32,111/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Waterbury details →

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