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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Stockton is 7% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,495/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 9%
$76,851/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 2%
$412,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 7%
$1,555/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 3%
320,470
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $1,305/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Stockton or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Vancouver?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Vancouver?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $1,305/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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