Median rent is 23% lower in Albany ($1,216/mo vs $1,577/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albany, where the median home runs $234,700 versus $440,900. Households earn more in Stockton ($79,907 vs $61,986 a year). Taken together, Stockton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 98.2 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Stockton, CA.
City A
Albany, NY
City B
Stockton, CA
How much would you need to earn in Stockton, CA to maintain your standard of living from Albany, NY?
Equivalent salary in Stockton, CA
$74,917
You could earn $83 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albany
New York
Stockton
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Albany — median rent of $1,216/mo versus $1,577/mo in Stockton, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Stockton: the median home is $440,900 versus $234,700 in Albany — 47% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Albany
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Stockton
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Stockton (avg AQI 48.0) but not yet for Albany.
Pick Stockton if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,907/yr).
Pick Albany if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,216/mo median).
Is Albany cheaper than Stockton?
Stockton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Stockton.
How much is rent in Albany vs Stockton?
Median rent is $1,216/mo in Albany, NY and $1,577/mo in Stockton, CA. Albany, NY has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Stockton?
Median household income is $61,986 in Albany, NY and $79,907 in Stockton, CA. Stockton, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or Stockton?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Stockton to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, NY is equivalent to roughly $99,889 in Stockton, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
