Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Stockton is 21% cheaper than Kent.

$1,495/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 23%
$76,851/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 18%
$412,900 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 30%
$1,555/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 23%
320,470
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $13,565/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Kent — common questions

Is Stockton or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Kent?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Kent?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $13,565/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Kent details →

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