Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Stockton is 9% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,495/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 28%
$76,851/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 21%
$412,900 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 4%
$1,555/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 2%
320,470
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $16,520/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Surprise — common questions

Is Stockton or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Surprise?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $16,520/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Surprise

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite