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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Stockton is 41% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,495/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 42%
$76,851/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 36%
$412,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 108%
$1,555/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 45%
320,470
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $27,368/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Stockton or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Fullerton?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Fullerton?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $27,368/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Fullerton

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren