Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Durham, NC (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Stockton is 10% more expensive than Durham.

$1,495/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 6%
$76,851/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 3%
$412,900 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 14%
$1,555/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 8%
320,470
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $2,383/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Durham — common questions

Is Stockton or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Durham?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Durham?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $2,383/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Durham details →

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