Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Stamford is 81% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,207/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 35%
$107,474/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 50%
$614,300 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 59%
$2,358/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 36%
135,806
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $53,703/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs New Haven — common questions

Is Stamford or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and New Haven?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or New Haven?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $53,703/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Connecticut?
Both cities are in Connecticut and share the same state tax rates: 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stamford and New Haven

Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo