COLD

Cost of Living in Stamford, CT

Population 135,806 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023

188
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Stamford sits 101% above the national median — $614,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $107,474 (44% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Cost Overview

Housing 201
Rent 168

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Stamford

The median home value in Stamford is $614,300 — 101% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,207/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,474/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Connecticut's top state income tax rate is 7.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. Overall, Stamford has a cost of living index of 188 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 88% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$614,300
101% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$684,683
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,207/mo
68% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,873/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,133
1 BR
$1,306
2 BR
$1,653
3 BR
$1,992
4 BR
$2,363
Owner-occupied 47.5%
Renter-occupied 52.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,207
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,821/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
30.4 min
13% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
59.1%
Carpooled
7.6%
Public transit
9.6%
Walked
4.8%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
16.8%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 7.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 2.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$107,474
44% above avg
Per Capita Income
$64,382
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
2% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.5%
Labor Force Participation
71.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 28.9%
Graduate degree 22.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.2
Male median age 37.3
Female median age 38.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Stamford, CT?

Stamford has a cost index of 188 (100 = national average). It is 88% above the national average.

What is average rent in Stamford, CT?

The median gross rent in Stamford is $2,207 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Stamford?

The median home value in Stamford is $614,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Stamford?

The median household income in Stamford is $107,474 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Stamford, CT?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stamford is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.

Is Stamford, CT affordable?

Stamford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 188 — about 88% higher than the national average.

Stamford at a Glance

Population
135,806
Median Income
$107,474
Home Value
$614,300
Median Rent
$2,207/mo
Unemployment
4.9%
Sales Tax
6.3%
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