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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Tempe is 58% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,623/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 27%
$77,643/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 33%
$421,900 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 56%
$1,554/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 18%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $26,001/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Tempe or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Waterbury?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Waterbury?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $26,001/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Waterbury details →

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