Cost of Living Comparison for Stockton, CA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Stockton's cost of living index is 110 — 10% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Stockton Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Stockton stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Stockton, CA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $390,000 | $420,800 | -7.3% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,550 | $1,713 | -9.5% |
| Median Household Income | $60,400 | $74,580 | -19.0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.73% | 1.10% | -33.6% |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Stockton Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 780,000
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg Commute
- 29 min
- Median Age
- 32.5
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 21.0x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,847
Cost of Living Comparison in Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Stockton
What is the median home price in Stockton, CA?
The median home price in Stockton is $390,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Stockton?
Median monthly rent in Stockton is $1,550. That works out to $18,600/year, or 31% of the median household income — above the recommended 30% threshold.
Is Stockton affordable?
Stockton's cost of living index is 110 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $60,400/year and a median home price of $390,000, the price-to-income ratio is 6.5x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical Stockton household.
What is the property tax rate in Stockton?
The effective property tax rate in Stockton is 0.73% of assessed value. On the median home of $390,000, that's roughly $2,847/year ($237/month).