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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

San Bernardino is 43% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,433/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 18%
$63,988/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 19%
$384,900 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 52%
$1,478/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 14%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $12,346/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Waterbury — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Waterbury?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Waterbury?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $12,346/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Waterbury details →

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