Cost of Living: Waterbury, CT vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Waterbury

Connecticut
76
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Waterbury is 7% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,180/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 12%
$51,642/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 41%
$185,400 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 12%
$1,273/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 2%
114,356
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
0%
6.35%
Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waterbury, CT and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $21,388/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waterbury is $185,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury vs Odessa — common questions

Is Waterbury or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waterbury and Odessa?
Median rent in Waterbury is $1,180/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Waterbury or Odessa?
Median household income is $51,642 in Waterbury and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $21,388/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Texas?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Waterbury or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,180/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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