Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Stockton is 113% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,495/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 39%
$76,851/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 37%
$412,900 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 70%
$1,555/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 47%
320,470
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $28,176/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Stockton or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Brownsville?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Brownsville?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $28,176/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Brownsville details →

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