Cost of Living: Waterbury, CT vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Waterbury

Connecticut
76
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Waterbury is 31% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,180/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 17%
$51,642/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↑ 1%
$185,400 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 36%
$1,273/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 23%
114,356
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waterbury, CT and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $528/year higher in Lansing. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waterbury is $185,400 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury vs Lansing — common questions

Is Waterbury or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waterbury and Lansing?
Median rent in Waterbury is $1,180/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Waterbury or Lansing?
Median household income is $51,642 in Waterbury and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $528/year higher in Lansing.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Michigan?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Waterbury or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,180/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waterbury details → View Lansing details →

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