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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Ontario

California
152

Stockton is 24% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,495/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 28%
$76,851/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 8%
$412,900 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 38%
$1,555/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 26%
320,470
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $5,955/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Ontario — common questions

Is Stockton or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Ontario?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Ontario?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $5,955/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Ontario

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