Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Stockton is 9% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,495/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 10%
$76,851/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 13%
$412,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 10%
$1,555/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 4%
320,470
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $10,128/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Sparks — common questions

Is Stockton or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Sparks?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Sparks?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $10,128/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Sparks details →

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