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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Stockton is 16% more expensive than Midland.

$1,495/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 6%
$76,851/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 19%
$412,900 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 28%
$1,555/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 6%
320,470
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $14,318/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Midland — common questions

Is Stockton or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Midland?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Midland?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $14,318/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Midland details →

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