Cost of Living: Waterbury, CT vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Waterbury

Connecticut
76
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Waterbury is 40% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,180/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 40%
$51,642/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 68%
$185,400 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 146%
$1,273/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 26%
114,356
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
0%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waterbury, CT and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $35,337/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waterbury is $185,400 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waterbury vs Sparks — common questions

Is Waterbury or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waterbury and Sparks?
Median rent in Waterbury is $1,180/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Waterbury or Sparks?
Median household income is $51,642 in Waterbury and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $35,337/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Nevada?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Waterbury or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,180/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waterbury details → View Sparks details →

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