Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Stockton is 3% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,495/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 2%
$76,851/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 17%
$412,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 5%
$1,555/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ≈ Same
320,470
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,977/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Stockton or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $12,977/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland