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

Orange

California
206
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Orange is 20% more expensive than Stamford.

$2,252/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↓ 2%
$116,945/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↓ 8%
$900,700 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$614,300 ↓ 32%
$2,394/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↓ 2%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,471/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Stamford — common questions

Is Orange or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stamford is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Stamford?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Stamford?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $9,471/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Stamford

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs