Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Downey

California
169

Stockton is 32% cheaper than Downey.

$1,495/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 27%
$76,851/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 14%
$412,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 76%
$1,555/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 28%
320,470
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $10,549/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Downey — common questions

Is Stockton or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Downey?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Downey?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $10,549/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Downey details →

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