Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Stockton is 5% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,495/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 4%
$76,851/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 6%
$412,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 5%
$1,555/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 5%
320,470
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $4,238/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Stockton or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $4,238/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Ann Arbor

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford