Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Reno, NV (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Stockton is 6% cheaper than Reno.

$1,495/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 3%
$76,851/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 2%
$412,900 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 21%
$1,555/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 5%
320,470
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,597/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Reno — common questions

Is Stockton or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Reno?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Reno?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $1,597/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Reno details →

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