Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Philadelphia is 51% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,323/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 67%
$60,698/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 77%
$232,400 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 164%
$1,233/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 91%
1,582,432
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $46,776/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Stamford — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Stamford?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Stamford?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $46,776/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Connecticut?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Stamford details →

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