Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Stockton is 53% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,495/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 24%
$76,851/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 21%
$412,900 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 52%
$1,555/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 24%
320,470
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $16,364/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Stockton or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Lubbock?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Lubbock?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $16,364/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Lubbock details →

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