Median rent is 13% lower in Stockton ($1,495/mo vs $1,713/mo). Buying is cheaper in Round Rock, where the median home runs $383,700 versus $412,900. Households earn more in Round Rock ($97,187 vs $76,851 a year). Taken together, Round Rock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 98.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Round Rock, TX.
City A
Round Rock, TX
City B
Stockton, CA
How much would you need to earn in Stockton, CA to maintain your standard of living from Round Rock, TX?
Equivalent salary in Stockton, CA
$75,089
You'd need $89 more (0% higher).
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
Round Rock
Texas
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 $1,713/mo in Round Rock (13% gap). Median home values are within 7% of each other: $383,700 in Round Rock and $412,900 in Stockton.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Round Rock a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Round Rock has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Round Rock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Stockton
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Stockton (avg AQI 48.0) but not yet for Round Rock.
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize higher median household income ($97,187/yr).
Pick Stockton if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,495/mo median).
Pick Round Rock if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Round Rock cheaper than Stockton?
Round Rock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 98.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Round Rock.
How much is rent in Round Rock vs Stockton?
Median rent is $1,713/mo in Round Rock, TX and $1,495/mo in Stockton, CA. Stockton, CA has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Round Rock or Stockton?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock, TX and $76,851 in Stockton, CA. Round Rock, TX 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 — Round Rock or Stockton?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Stockton to match my Round Rock income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Round Rock, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,118 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