Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Stockton is 20% more expensive than Garland.

$1,495/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 2%
$76,851/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 3%
$412,900 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 40%
$1,555/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 7%
320,470
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,134/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Garland — common questions

Is Stockton or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Garland?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Garland?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $2,134/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Garland details →

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