Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Stockton

California
115

Seattle is 70% more expensive than Stockton.

$1,998/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↓ 25%
$121,984/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↓ 37%
$912,100 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$412,900 ↓ 55%
$2,220/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↓ 30%
741,440
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $45,133/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Stockton — common questions

Is Seattle or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Stockton?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Stockton?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $45,133/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Stockton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Stockton

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