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

Waterbury

Connecticut
76
VS

Downey

California
169

Waterbury is 55% cheaper than Downey.

$1,180/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 60%
$51,642/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 69%
$185,400 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 293%
$1,273/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 57%
114,356
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waterbury, CT and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $712/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $8,544/year.

Median household income is $35,758/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waterbury is $185,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury vs Downey — common questions

Is Waterbury or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waterbury and Downey?
Median rent in Waterbury is $1,180/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $712/month.
Which city has higher income, Waterbury or Downey?
Median household income is $51,642 in Waterbury and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $35,758/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,180/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waterbury details → View Downey details →

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