Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Stockton is 92% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,495/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 38%
$76,851/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 40%
$412,900 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 60%
$1,555/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 42%
320,470
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $575/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,900/year.

Median household income is $30,867/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Springfield — common questions

Is Stockton or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Springfield?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $575/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Springfield?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $30,867/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Springfield details →

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