Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Stamford is 28% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,207/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 24%
$107,474/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 18%
$614,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 69%
$2,358/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 12%
135,806
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Stamford, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $18,995/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Stamford or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stamford is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Cambridge?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Cambridge?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $18,995/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Massachusetts?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Cambridge details →

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