Is Stamford, CT cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Stamford, CT is 2.8% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $213 per month.

What salary do I need in Stamford, CT to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $147,438.762 in Stamford, CT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Stamford, CT?

Housing in Stamford, CT is 12.4% more expensive than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,036/month in Stamford, CT compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Stamford, CT?

Moving from Boston, MA to Stamford, CT could save you approximately $213 per month, or $2561 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boston, MA vs Stamford, CT: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $213/month moving to Stamford, CT

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.4K in Stamford, CT

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$213

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$961K

Stamford, CT

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$609K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Stamford, CT

The Constitution State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Stamford, CT

Category	Boston, MA	Stamford, CT	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,275/mo	$5,931/mo	↑ $656more	12.4%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,381/mo	↓ $450less	24.6%
All Utilities	$716/mo	$557/mo	↓ $159less	22.2%
Healthcare	$743/mo	$638/mo	↓ $105less	14.1%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,753/mo	↓ $72.11less	4.0%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,082/mo	↑ $2.35more	0.2%

Housing

↑ 12.4%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Stamford, CT

$5,931

Difference

$656

Transportation

↓ 24.6%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Stamford, CT

$1,381

Difference

$450

less

All Utilities

↓ 22.2%

Boston, MA

$716

Stamford, CT

$557

Difference

$159

less

Healthcare

↓ 14.1%

Boston, MA

$743

Stamford, CT

$638

Difference

$105

less

Other

↓ 4.0%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Stamford, CT

$1,753

Difference

$72.11

less

Groceries

↑ 0.2%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Stamford, CT

$1,082

Difference

$2.35

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,406

↓ $1,689

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,707

↓ $1,548

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$2,036

↓ $1,829

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,461

↓ $2,169

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Stamford, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,100–$2,650/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$11,341

Monthly in Stamford, CT

$128

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Stamford

$961K

Median Value

$609K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +4.9%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.5%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$369K - $1.05M

Homes in Stamford are 37% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Stamford

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $550

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$45.83

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Stamford, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Stamford, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.