Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Surprise is 66% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,917/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 38%
$93,371/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 45%
$396,000 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 53%
$1,587/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 20%
149,519
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $41,729/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Surprise or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Waterbury?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Waterbury?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $41,729/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Connecticut?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Waterbury

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa