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

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Downey

California
169

Stamford is 2% more expensive than Downey.

$2,207/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 14%
$107,474/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 19%
$614,300 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 19%
$2,358/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 15%
135,806
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $20,074/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Downey — common questions

Is Stamford or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Downey?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Downey?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $20,074/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and California?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Downey details →

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