Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Stockton is 16% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,495/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 11%
$76,851/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 9%
$412,900 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 33%
$1,555/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 9%
320,470
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $6,747/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Stockton or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $6,747/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Fort Collins details →

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