Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Stockton is 16% more expensive than Providence.

$1,495/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 11%
$76,851/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 13%
$412,900 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 22%
$1,555/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 6%
320,470
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $10,079/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Providence — common questions

Is Stockton or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Providence?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Providence?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $10,079/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Providence details →

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