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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Stockton is 51% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,495/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 21%
$76,851/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 33%
$412,900 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 55%
$1,555/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 18%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $25,209/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Stockton or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Waterbury?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Waterbury?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $25,209/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Waterbury details →

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