Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Stamford is 126% more expensive than Waterbury.

$2,207/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 47%
$107,474/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 52%
$614,300 ↑ 231%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 70%
$2,358/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 46%
135,806
Population
114,356

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,027/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $12,324/year.

Median household income is $55,832/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Stamford or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Waterbury?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $1,027/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Waterbury?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $55,832/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 Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Waterbury details →

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