Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Stockton is 22% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,495/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 36%
$76,851/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 58%
$412,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 26%
$1,555/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 23%
320,470
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $44,500/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Stockton or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Gilbert?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Gilbert?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $44,500/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Gilbert details →

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