Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Stockton is 49% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,495/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 29%
$76,851/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 20%
$412,900 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 39%
$1,555/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 32%
320,470
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $15,397/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Stockton or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Lafayette?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Lafayette?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $15,397/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Lafayette details →

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