Median rent is 20% lower in Stockton ($1,495/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Stockton, where the median home runs $412,900 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $76,851 a year). Taken together, Stockton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.9 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Stockton, CA.
Quick verdict
Stockton is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.9 in Stockton vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Stockton, CA
How much would you need to earn in Stockton, CA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Stockton, CA
$65,481
You could earn $9,519 less (13% 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
Los Angeles
California
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 Stockton at $1,495/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $412,900 in Stockton — 53% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so Stockton is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; Stockton has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Stockton
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Stockton has cleaner air on average: 48.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Stockton if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Stockton if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,495/mo median).
Pick Stockton if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 48.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Stockton?
Stockton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Stockton.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Stockton?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,495/mo in Stockton, CA. Stockton, CA has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Stockton?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $76,851 in Stockton, CA. Los Angeles, 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?
Stockton, CA has better air quality on average: 48.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Stockton?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. Stockton, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Stockton to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $87,308 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