Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Worcester is 37% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,415/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 17%
$67,544/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 24%
$339,500 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 45%
$1,521/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 16%
205,501
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $15,902/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Worcester or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Waterbury?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Waterbury?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $15,902/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Waterbury

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa