Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Syracuse is 22% cheaper than Waterbury.

$998/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 18%
$45,845/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↑ 13%
$125,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 48%
$980/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 30%
146,211
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $5,797/year higher in Waterbury. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Syracuse or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Waterbury?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Waterbury?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $5,797/year higher in Waterbury.
How do taxes compare between New York and Connecticut?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/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 Syracuse details → View Waterbury details →

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