Softwr

Machine Learning · head to head

MATLAB vs Stata

MATLAB logo

MATLAB

Machine Learning

Programming and numeric computing platform

From
$940/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stata logo

Stata

Machine Learning

Data science software for research professionals

From
$48/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MATLAB a standard individual licence is $940 a year, and it is annual rather than perpetual; Stata the entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • They diverge on capability: MATLAB covers Matrix computations, Stata covers Statistical analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MATLAB and Stata actually diverge.

Attributes where MATLAB and Stata differ
AttributeMATLABStata
Starting price$940/year$48/year
Founded19841985

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Machine Learning).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in MATLAB

  • Matrix computations
  • Data visualization
  • Machine learning
  • Deep learning
  • Signal processing
  • Simulink
  • C/C++
  • Java

Only in Stata

  • Statistical analysis
  • Data management
  • Graphics
  • Econometrics
  • Survey analysis
  • ODBC
  • SAS

Both cover

  • Python
  • Excel
  • Linux support
  • Mac support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MATLAB

  • Numerical computing and analysisnot Stata
  • Algorithm developmentnot Stata
  • Academic research and teachingnot Stata

Stata

  • Statistical analysis and data analysisnot MATLAB
  • Econometric modelingnot MATLAB
  • Biostatistics and epidemiologynot MATLAB
  • Academic and research data analysisnot MATLAB

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MATLAB

  • A standard individual licence is $940 a year, and it is annual rather than perpetual
  • Add on toolboxes are bought separately through the web store rather than being included
  • No price is displayed for the academic, student, home or startup licences, each of which requires a quote
  • Eligibility rather than price separates most tiers, so a commercial user has one option

Stata

  • The entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • Raising the variable limit to 32,767 requires Stata/SE and 120,000 requires Stata/MP
  • Stata/MP is licensed by core count, so 2 core and 4 core licences are priced separately
  • Student licences require proof of enrolment at a degree granting institution
  • Stata/MP is not sold on a 6 month student term
  • Perpetual student licences cost several times the annual price, for example $298 against $94 for Stata/BE

Pricing, plan by plan

MATLAB

$940/year
  • Individual Standard$940/year
    • MATLAB
    • Simulink
    • Online Training Suite
  • Startups$null/year
    • MATLAB
    • Simulink
    • 90+ add-on products
  • Academic$null/year
    • MATLAB
    • Simulink
  • Student$null/year
    • MATLAB

Stata

$48/year
  • Stata/BE$48/year
    • Basic edition
    • Core features
  • Stata/SE$295/year
    • Standard edition
    • Larger datasets

Which should you pick?

Choose MATLAB if

  • You need matrix computations.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want data visualization.
MATLAB review

Choose Stata if

  • You need statistical analysis.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want data management.
Stata review

Questions people ask

Is MATLAB or Stata better?
Neither clearly leads. MATLAB starts at $940/year and Stata at $48/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MATLAB or Stata?
MATLAB starts at $940/year and Stata at $48/year.
Does MATLAB or Stata run on more platforms?
Both run on Linux, Mac, Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is MATLAB best used for?
MATLAB is most often used for numerical computing and analysis, algorithm development, academic research and teaching. Of those, numerical computing and analysis and algorithm development are not what Stata is typically brought in for.
What can MATLAB do that Stata cannot?
MATLAB covers Matrix computations, Data visualization, Machine learning, Deep learning. Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. Both handle Python, Excel, Linux support, Mac support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MATLAB: What is the cost of an individual MATLAB license?

USD 940 per year for Standard individual license, which includes MATLAB, Simulink, Online Training Suite, and add-on products. All licenses include MathWorks Software Maintenance Service.

Source
Stata: How much does Stata cost?

Stata does not publish specific pricing on its website. Customers must use the 'Order Stata' or 'Request a quote' functions to obtain pricing. StataNow is available as a subscription option, but specific monthly or annual costs are not displayed publicly.

Source
MATLAB: Are pricing quotes available online for academic and startup licenses?

No, online pricing is not available for Academic, Student, Startup, or Home license types. Downloadable price lists are available only for Standard and Academic individual licenses. Contact sales for other tiers.

Source
Stata: What are the differences between Stata editions?

Stata offers multiple editions including Stata/BE and Stata/MP, with different capabilities and performance characteristics. Edition selection affects pricing, but specific comparisons and costs require requesting a quote.

Source
MATLAB: Can I switch between license terms (annual vs perpetual)?

Both Standard and Home licenses offer annual and perpetual licensing options. Academic licenses also offer both terms. Startup licenses are available on annual basis only.

Source
Stata: Does Stata offer a subscription model?

Yes, StataNow is offered as a subscription option that delivers new features immediately upon release. However, specific pricing for StataNow subscriptions is not published on the website.

Source
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