Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Austin is 22% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,655/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 33%
$91,461/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 18%
$512,700 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 20%
$1,747/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 35%
967,862
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $16,013/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Stamford — common questions

Is Austin or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Stamford?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Stamford?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $16,013/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Stamford details →

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