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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Stockton is 58% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,495/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 21%
$76,851/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 27%
$412,900 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 58%
$1,555/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 26%
320,470
Population
209,692

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $20,456/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Stockton or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $20,456/year higher in Stockton.
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 Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Fayetteville details →

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