Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Stockton

California
115

San Diego is 71% more expensive than Stockton.

$2,223/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 33%
$104,321/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 26%
$848,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 51%
$2,308/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 33%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $27,470/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Stockton — common questions

Is San Diego or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Stockton?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $728/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Stockton?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $27,470/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Stockton details →

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