Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Stockton is 54% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,495/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 68%
$76,851/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 110%
$412,900 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 191%
$1,555/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 66%
320,470
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,010/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $12,120/year.

Median household income is $84,449/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Stockton or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Bellevue?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,010/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Bellevue?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $84,449/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Bellevue

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet