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

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Stamford is 3% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,207/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ≈ Same
$107,474/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 5%
$614,300 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 4%
$2,358/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 6%
135,806
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,153/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Stamford or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Fairfield?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Fairfield?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $5,153/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stamford and Fairfield

Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill