Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Stockton is 15% more expensive than Newark.

$1,495/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 11%
$76,851/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 37%
$412,900 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 18%
$1,555/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 9%
320,470
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $28,435/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Newark — common questions

Is Stockton or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Newark?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Newark?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $28,435/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Newark details →

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