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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Stockton is 17% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,495/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 12%
$76,851/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 18%
$412,900 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 21%
$1,555/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 12%
320,470
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $14,180/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Richmond — common questions

Is Stockton or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 115 (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 $1,314/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Richmond?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $14,180/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Richmond details →

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