Cost of Living in Stockton, CA
Population 320,470 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Stockton lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $413,000 — 35% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in California. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Stockton
The median home value in Stockton is $412,900 — 35% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,495/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,851/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Stockton has a cost of living index of 127 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Stockton, CA?
Stockton has a cost index of 127 (100 = national average). It is 27% above the national average.
What is average rent in Stockton, CA?
The median gross rent in Stockton is $1,495 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Stockton?
The median home value in Stockton is $412,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Stockton?
The median household income in Stockton is $76,851 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Stockton, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stockton is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Stockton, CA affordable?
Stockton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 127 — about 27% higher than the national average.
Stockton at a Glance
- Population
- 320,470
- Median Income
- $76,851
- Home Value
- $412,900
- Median Rent
- $1,495/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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