Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Kent, WA (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Stamford is 27% more expensive than Kent.

$2,207/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 17%
$107,474/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 16%
$614,300 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 13%
$2,358/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 19%
135,806
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
0%
6.35%
Sales Tax
6.5%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $17,058/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Kent — common questions

Is Stamford or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Kent?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Kent?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $17,058/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Washington?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Kent details →