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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Stockton is 31% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,495/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 47%
$76,851/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 33%
$412,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 43%
$1,555/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 43%
320,470
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $25,470/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Stockton or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Fairfield?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Fairfield?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $25,470/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Fairfield details →

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