Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Stockton is 28% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,495/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 24%
$76,851/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 14%
$412,900 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 21%
$1,555/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 22%
320,470
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $11,106/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Spokane — common questions

Is Stockton or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Spokane?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Spokane?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $11,106/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Spokane details →

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