Is Waterbury, CT cheaper than Bridgeport, CT?

Based on cost of living data, Waterbury, CT is 17.6% cheaper than Bridgeport, CT. This translates to saving $1321 per month.

What salary do I need in Waterbury, CT to live like I do in Bridgeport, CT?

If you earn $150,000 in Bridgeport, CT, you'd need approximately $134,145.961 in Waterbury, CT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bridgeport, CT and Waterbury, CT?

Housing in Waterbury, CT is 17.6% cheaper than in Bridgeport, CT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $936/month in Waterbury, CT compared to $1,480/month in Bridgeport, CT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bridgeport, CT to Waterbury, CT?

Moving from Bridgeport, CT to Waterbury, CT could save you approximately $1321 per month, or $15854 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bridgeport, CT vs Waterbury, CT: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Bridgeport, CT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Waterbury, CT

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.1K in Waterbury, CT

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,321

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Bridgeport, CT

Population:148K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$307K

Waterbury, CT

Population:115K

Cost Index:

(18% below avg)

Median Home:$268K

Bridgeport, CT

The Constitution State

148K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 148K residents.

Waterbury, CT

The Constitution State

115K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 115K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bridgeport, CT vs Waterbury, CT

Category	Bridgeport, CT	Waterbury, CT	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,352/mo	$4,409/mo	↓ $943less	17.6%
Other	$1,581/mo	$1,303/mo	↓ $279less	17.6%
Transportation	$1,246/mo	$1,026/mo	↓ $219less	17.6%
Groceries	$1,027/mo	$932/mo	↓ $94.87less	9.2%
Healthcare	$606/mo	$550/mo	↓ $56.00less	9.2%
All Utilities	$529/mo	$480/mo	↓ $48.85less	9.2%

Housing

↓ 17.6%

Bridgeport, CT

$5,352

Waterbury, CT

$4,409

Difference

$943

less

Other

↓ 17.6%

Bridgeport, CT

$1,581

Waterbury, CT

$1,303

Difference

$279

less

Transportation

↓ 17.6%

Bridgeport, CT

$1,246

Waterbury, CT

$1,026

Difference

$219

less

Groceries

↓ 9.2%

Bridgeport, CT

$1,027

Waterbury, CT

$932

Difference

$94.87

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.2%

Bridgeport, CT

$606

Waterbury, CT

$550

Difference

$56.00

less

All Utilities

↓ 9.2%

Bridgeport, CT

$529

Waterbury, CT

$480

Difference

$48.85

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,021

To$653

↓ $368

1 Bed

From$1,239

To$757

↓ $482

2 Bed

From$1,480

To$936

↓ $544

3 Bed

From$1,791

To$1,157

↓ $634

Bridgeport, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,780–$1,920/mo

Waterbury, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,120–$1,460/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,341

Monthly in Bridgeport, CT

$8,701

Monthly in Waterbury, CT

$1,640

Difference

Home Values

Bridgeport

Waterbury

$307K

Median Value

$268K

↑ +5.8%

YoY Change

↑ +3.1%

↑ +56%

5-Year Change

↑ +84.3%

$286K - $378K

Price Range

$250K - $290K

Homes in Waterbury are 13% less expensive than Bridgeport

Calculate payment - Bridgeport Calculate payment - Waterbury

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Bridgeport, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

Waterbury, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

Additional Tax Information

Bridgeport, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

Waterbury, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.