Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Fresno is 41% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,324/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 67%
$66,804/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 61%
$348,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 76%
$1,391/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 70%
543,615
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $883/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $10,596/year.

Median household income is $40,670/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Stamford — common questions

Is Fresno or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Stamford?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $883/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Stamford?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $40,670/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Stamford details →

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