Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Tacoma is 66% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,597/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 26%
$83,857/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 38%
$454,600 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 59%
$1,747/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 27%
220,482
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $32,215/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Waterbury?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Waterbury?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $32,215/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Connecticut?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Waterbury details →

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