Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Stockton is 62% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,495/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 26%
$76,851/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 18%
$412,900 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 57%
$1,555/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
320,470
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $14,131/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Abilene — common questions

Is Stockton or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Abilene?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Abilene?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $14,131/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Abilene details →

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