Median rent is 0% lower in Raleigh ($1,572/mo vs $1,577/mo). Buying is cheaper in Raleigh, where the median home runs $415,800 versus $440,900. Households earn more in Raleigh ($85,395 vs $79,907 a year). Taken together, Stockton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 98.4 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Raleigh, NC.
City A
Raleigh, NC
City B
Stockton, CA
How much would you need to earn in Stockton, CA to maintain your standard of living from Raleigh, NC?
Equivalent salary in Stockton, CA
$74,781
You could earn $219 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Raleigh
North Carolina
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,572/mo in Raleigh and $1,577/mo in Stockton. Median home values are within 6% of each other: $415,800 in Raleigh and $440,900 in Stockton.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Raleigh
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Stockton
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Raleigh averages 47.0 AQI (Good) and Stockton averages 48.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize higher median household income ($85,395/yr).
Is Raleigh cheaper than Stockton?
Stockton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Stockton.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Stockton?
Median rent is $1,572/mo in Raleigh, NC and $1,577/mo in Stockton, CA. Raleigh, NC has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Raleigh or Stockton?
Median household income is $85,395 in Raleigh, NC and $79,907 in Stockton, CA. Raleigh, NC 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?
Raleigh, NC has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 48.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Raleigh or Stockton?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Stockton to match my Raleigh income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Raleigh, NC is equivalent to roughly $99,708 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
