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

Stockton

California
115
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Stockton is 74% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,495/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 32%
$76,851/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 22%
$412,900 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 58%
$1,555/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 36%
320,470
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $16,686/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs McAllen — common questions

Is Stockton or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and McAllen?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or McAllen?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $16,686/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View McAllen details →

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