Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Stockton

California
115

Mesa is 7% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,478/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 1%
$78,779/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 2%
$364,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 13%
$1,404/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 11%
507,478
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,928/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Stockton — common questions

Is Mesa or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Stockton?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Stockton?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $1,928/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Stockton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Stockton

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando