Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Tempe is 30% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,623/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 36%
$77,643/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 38%
$421,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 46%
$1,554/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 52%
186,419
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $29,831/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Stamford — common questions

Is Tempe or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Stamford?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Stamford?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $29,831/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Connecticut?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Stamford

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs