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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Irvine

California
256

Stockton is 55% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,495/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 94%
$76,851/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 69%
$412,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 170%
$1,555/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 87%
320,470
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,398/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $16,776/year.

Median household income is $52,796/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Irvine — common questions

Is Stockton or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Irvine?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,398/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Irvine?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $52,796/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Irvine details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Irvine

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh