Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Stockton

California
115

Los Angeles is 63% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,879/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 20%
$80,366/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 53%
$2,055/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 24%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $3,515/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Stockton — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Stockton?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Stockton?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $3,515/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Stockton details →

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