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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Houston is 49% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,313/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 68%
$62,894/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 71%
$253,400 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 142%
$1,316/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 79%
2,300,419
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $44,580/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Stamford — common questions

Is Houston or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Stamford?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Stamford?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $44,580/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 Houston or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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