Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Stockton is 24% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,495/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 17%
$76,851/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 5%
$412,900 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 32%
$1,555/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 11%
320,470
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $3,796/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making St. Paul slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Stockton or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and St. Paul?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or St. Paul?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $3,796/year higher in Stockton.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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