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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Stockton is 60% more expensive than Waco.

$1,495/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 27%
$76,851/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 33%
$412,900 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 52%
$1,555/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 30%
320,470
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $25,383/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Waco — common questions

Is Stockton or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Waco?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Waco?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $25,383/year higher in Stockton.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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