Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Stockton is 130% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,495/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 42%
$76,851/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 43%
$412,900 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 77%
$1,555/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 46%
320,470
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $33,397/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Dayton — common questions

Is Stockton or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Dayton?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Dayton?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $33,397/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Dayton details →

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