Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Stockton is 39% more expensive than Athens.

$1,495/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 22%
$76,851/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 33%
$412,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 34%
$1,555/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 25%
320,470
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $25,196/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Athens — common questions

Is Stockton or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Athens?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Athens?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $25,196/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Athens details →

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