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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Stockton is 48% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,495/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 48%
$76,851/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 35%
$412,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 153%
$1,555/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 50%
320,470
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $26,927/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Stockton or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Pasadena?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $26,927/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Pasadena details →

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