Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Wilmington is 32% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,311/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 10%
$63,900/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 19%
$350,300 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 47%
$1,371/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 7%
118,578
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $12,258/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Wilmington or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Waterbury?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Waterbury?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $12,258/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Waterbury details →

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