Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Stockton is 10% more expensive than Salem.

$1,495/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 12%
$76,851/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 6%
$412,900 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 7%
$1,555/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 7%
320,470
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $4,951/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Salem — common questions

Is Stockton or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Salem?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Salem?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $4,951/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Salem details →

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