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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Riverside

California
144

Stockton is 20% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,495/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 21%
$76,851/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 15%
$412,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 31%
$1,555/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 21%
320,470
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $11,724/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Riverside — common questions

Is Stockton or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Riverside?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Riverside?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $11,724/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Riverside details →

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