Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Stockton

California
115

Portland is 20% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,596/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 6%
$88,792/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 13%
$557,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 26%
$1,771/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 12%
642,715
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $11,941/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Stockton — common questions

Is Portland or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Stockton?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Stockton?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $11,941/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Stockton details →

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