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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Stockton is 4% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,495/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 9%
$76,851/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 1%
$412,900 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 2%
$1,555/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ≈ Same
320,470
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $792/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Tempe — common questions

Is Stockton or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Tempe?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Tempe?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $792/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Tempe details →

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