Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Stockton is 17% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,495/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 20%
$76,851/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 84%
$412,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 16%
$1,555/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 29%
320,470
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $64,502/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Stockton or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $64,502/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View The Woodlands details →

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