Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Boston is 2% more expensive than Stamford.

$2,093/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 5%
$94,755/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 13%
$710,400 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$614,300 ↓ 14%
$2,176/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 8%
663,972
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $12,719/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Stamford — common questions

Is Boston or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stamford is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Stamford?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Stamford?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $12,719/year higher in Stamford.
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 Boston or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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