Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Springfield is 4% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,114/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 6%
$51,339/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,642/yr ≈ Same
$222,700 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 17%
$1,276/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ≈ Same
154,751
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $303/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Springfield or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Waterbury?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Waterbury?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $303/year higher in Waterbury.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Waterbury details →

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