Cost of Living: Stamford, CT vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Stamford

Connecticut
172
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Stamford is 72% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,207/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 41%
$107,474/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 41%
$614,300 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 43%
$2,358/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 42%
135,806
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stamford, CT and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $896/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $10,752/year.

Median household income is $43,574/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stamford is $614,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stamford vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Stamford or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stamford and Wilmington?
Median rent in Stamford is $2,207/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $896/month.
Which city has higher income, Stamford or Wilmington?
Median household income is $107,474 in Stamford and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $43,574/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and North Carolina?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Stamford or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Stamford has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,207/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stamford details → View Wilmington details →

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