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

Waterbury

Connecticut
76
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Waterbury is 67% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,180/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 103%
$51,642/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 113%
$185,400 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 469%
$1,273/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 93%
114,356
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waterbury, CT and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,215/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $14,580/year.

Median household income is $58,431/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waterbury is $185,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Waterbury or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waterbury and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Waterbury is $1,180/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,215/month.
Which city has higher income, Waterbury or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $51,642 in Waterbury and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $58,431/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waterbury or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,180/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waterbury details → View Costa Mesa details →

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