Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Stockton

California
115

Chicago is 13% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,380/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 8%
$75,134/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 2%
$315,200 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 31%
$1,502/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 4%
2,707,648
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $1,717/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Stockton — common questions

Is Chicago or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Stockton?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Stockton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $1,717/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Stockton details →

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