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

Stockton

California
115
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Stockton is 26% more expensive than College Station.

$1,495/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 22%
$76,851/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 33%
$412,900 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 21%
$1,555/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 20%
320,470
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $25,075/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs College Station — common questions

Is Stockton or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and College Station?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or College Station?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $25,075/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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