Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Stockton is 50% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,495/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 60%
$76,851/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 43%
$412,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 155%
$1,555/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 58%
320,470
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $33,222/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Stockton or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $33,222/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Costa Mesa details →

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