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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Los Angeles is 9% more expensive than Stamford.

$1,879/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 17%
$80,366/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 34%
$879,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$614,300 ↓ 30%
$2,055/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 15%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $27,108/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Stamford — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stamford is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Stamford?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Stamford?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $27,108/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 Los Angeles or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Stamford details →

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