Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Stockton is 24% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,495/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 21%
$76,851/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 48%
$412,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 46%
$1,555/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 25%
320,470
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $36,545/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Arvada — common questions

Is Stockton or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Arvada?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Arvada?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $36,545/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Arvada details →

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