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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Richmond

California
161

Stockton is 29% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,495/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 27%
$76,851/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 17%
$412,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 57%
$1,555/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 30%
320,470
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $13,187/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Richmond — common questions

Is Stockton or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Richmond?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Richmond?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $13,187/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Richmond details →

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