California · Population 320,470 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Stockton
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Stockton is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 115 (where 100 equals the national median), Stockton residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,495/month while earning a median household income of $76,851/year.
The median home value in Stockton, CA is $412,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,555 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Stockton.
Common questions about living costs in Stockton
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Stockton, CA with 299 other major U.S. cities