Bridgeport, CT vs Waterbury, CT

Waterbury is moderately more affordable than Bridgeport, with a 14.3% lower cost of living index. Bridgeport scores 98 compared to 86 for Waterbury, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Bridgeport can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month compared to $1,180/month in Waterbury — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waterbury is more affordable at $185,400 median vs $252,400.

Median household income in Bridgeport is $56,584 compared to $51,642 in Waterbury (+9.6%). The higher salaries in Bridgeport partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bridgeport spend roughly 29.8% of their income on rent, more than the 27.4% in Waterbury.