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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Stockton is 9% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,495/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 7%
$76,851/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 9%
$412,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 10%
$1,555/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 12%
320,470
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $7,006/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Stockton or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Tacoma?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $7,006/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Tacoma details →

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