Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Stockton

California
115

Sacramento is 15% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,694/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 12%
$83,753/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 8%
$484,600 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 15%
$1,752/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 11%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $6,902/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Stockton — common questions

Is Sacramento or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Stockton?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Stockton?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $6,902/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Stockton details →

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