Median rent is 8% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,495/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $412,900. Households earn more in Stockton ($76,851 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Stockton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.9 against 105.7 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Stockton, CA.
Quick verdict
Stockton is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.9 in Stockton vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Stockton, CA
How much would you need to earn in Stockton, CA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Stockton, CA
$70,190
You could earn $4,810 less (6% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,495/mo in Stockton (8% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Stockton: the median home is $412,900 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 24% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 13.30% in California, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.25% in California; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Stockton
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 48.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Stockton if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.9 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Stockton?
Stockton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Stockton.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Stockton?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,495/mo in Stockton, CA. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Stockton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $76,851 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 48.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Stockton?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and California's is 13.30%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Stockton to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $93,587 in Stockton, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology