Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Modesto

California
120

Stockton is 4% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,495/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 8%
$76,851/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 1%
$412,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$415,600 ≈ Same
$1,555/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 4%
320,470
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $1,048/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Modesto — common questions

Is Stockton or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Modesto?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Modesto?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $1,048/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Modesto details →

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