Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Stockton

California
115

Philadelphia is 26% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,323/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 13%
$60,698/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 27%
$232,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 78%
$1,233/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 26%
1,582,432
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $16,153/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Stockton — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Stockton?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Stockton?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $16,153/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Stockton details →

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