Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Stockton

California
115

Long Beach is 47% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,803/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 17%
$83,969/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 8%
$762,200 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 46%
$1,890/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 18%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $7,118/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Stockton — common questions

Is Long Beach or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Stockton?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Stockton?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $7,118/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Stockton details →

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