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

Stockton

California
115
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Stockton is 17% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,495/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 23%
$76,851/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 57%
$412,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 6%
$1,555/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 35%
320,470
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $43,422/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs McKinney — common questions

Is Stockton or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and McKinney?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $346/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or McKinney?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $43,422/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and McKinney

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo