Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Stockton

California
115

Fresno is 12% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,324/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 13%
$66,804/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 15%
$348,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 18%
$1,391/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 12%
543,615
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $10,047/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Stockton — common questions

Is Fresno or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Stockton?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Stockton?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $10,047/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Stockton details →

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