Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Chicago is 42% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,380/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 60%
$75,134/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 43%
$315,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 95%
$1,502/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 57%
2,707,648
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $827/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $9,924/year.

Median household income is $32,340/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Stamford — common questions

Is Chicago or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Stamford?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $827/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Stamford?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $32,340/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Stamford details →

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