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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Worcester is 40% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,415/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 56%
$67,544/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 59%
$339,500 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 81%
$1,521/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 55%
205,501
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $39,930/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Stamford — common questions

Is Worcester or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Stamford?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Stamford?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $39,930/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

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Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs