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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Stockton is 43% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,495/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 52%
$76,851/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 82%
$412,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 109%
$1,555/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 55%
320,470
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $63,309/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Arlington — common questions

Is Stockton or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Arlington?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Arlington?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $63,309/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Arlington details →

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