Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Stockton

California
115

Austin is 17% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,655/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 10%
$91,461/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 16%
$512,700 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 19%
$1,747/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 11%
967,862
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $14,610/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Stockton — common questions

Is Austin or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Stockton?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Stockton?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $14,610/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Stockton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Stockton

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando