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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Stockton is 29% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,495/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 6%
$76,851/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 7%
$412,900 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 45%
$1,555/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 11%
320,470
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $5,008/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Stockton or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Mesquite?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Mesquite?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $5,008/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Mesquite details →

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