Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Stockton is 34% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,495/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 36%
$76,851/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 48%
$412,900 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 69%
$1,555/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 40%
320,470
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $36,787/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Stockton or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Alexandria?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Alexandria?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $36,787/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Alexandria details →

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