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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Stockton is 10% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,495/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 22%
$76,851/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 25%
$412,900 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 2%
$1,555/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 15%
320,470
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $19,406/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Richardson — common questions

Is Stockton or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Richardson?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Richardson?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $19,406/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Richardson

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater