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

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Stamford is 45% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,207/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 27%
$107,474/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 29%
$614,300 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 36%
$2,358/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 29%
135,806
Population
114,799

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $31,269/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Lowell — common questions

Is Stamford or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Lowell?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Lowell?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $31,269/year higher in Stamford.
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 Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stamford and Lowell

Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury