Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Stockton is 6% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,495/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 4%
$76,851/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 17%
$412,900 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 7%
$1,555/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 5%
320,470
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $12,863/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Stockton or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $12,863/year higher in Stockton.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View San Bernardino details →

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