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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Stockton is 13% cheaper than Plano.

$1,495/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 20%
$76,851/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 41%
$412,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 7%
$1,555/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 18%
320,470
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $31,798/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Plano — common questions

Is Stockton or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Plano?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Plano?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $31,798/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Plano details →

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