Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Stamford is 13% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,207/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 18%
$107,474/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 6%
$614,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 2%
$2,358/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 17%
135,806
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $5,922/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Arvada — common questions

Is Stamford or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Arvada?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Arvada?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $5,922/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Colorado?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Arvada details →

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