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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Stockton

California
115

Denver is 28% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,770/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 16%
$91,681/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 16%
$586,700 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 30%
$1,839/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 15%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $14,830/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Stockton — common questions

Is Denver or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Stockton?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Stockton?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $14,830/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Stockton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Stockton

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando