Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Stockton is 18% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,495/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 17%
$76,851/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 12%
$412,900 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 33%
$1,555/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 11%
320,470
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $8,938/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Stockton or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Lakewood?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Lakewood?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $8,938/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Lakewood

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield