Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Stockton

California
115

Aurora is 13% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,759/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 15%
$84,320/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 9%
$444,500 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 7%
$1,762/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 12%
390,201
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $7,469/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Stockton — common questions

Is Aurora or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Stockton?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Stockton?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $7,469/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Stockton has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,495/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Stockton details →

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