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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Stockton

California
115

San Francisco is 132% more expensive than Stockton.

$2,419/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 38%
$141,446/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 46%
$1,380,500 ↑ 234%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 70%
$2,620/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 41%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $924/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $11,088/year.

Median household income is $64,595/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Stockton — common questions

Is San Francisco or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Stockton?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $924/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Stockton?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $64,595/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Stockton details →

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