Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Stockton

California
115

Raleigh is 4% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,468/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 2%
$82,424/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 7%
$377,800 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 9%
$1,487/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 5%
470,763
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,573/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Stockton — common questions

Is Raleigh or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Stockton?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Stockton?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $5,573/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Stockton details →

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