Median rent is 36% lower in Stockton ($1,577/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Stockton, where the median home runs $440,900 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $79,907 a year). Taken together, Stockton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 117.6 — about 17% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Stockton is 17% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 98.1 in Stockton vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
San Francisco, CA
City B
Stockton, CA
How much would you need to earn in Stockton, CA to maintain your standard of living from San Francisco, CA?
Equivalent salary in Stockton, CA
$62,569
You could earn $12,431 less (17% 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
San Francisco
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Stockton — median rent of $1,577/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $440,900 in Stockton — 68% 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.
San Francisco
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 San Francisco.
Pick Stockton if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.1 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Stockton if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,577/mo median).
Is San Francisco cheaper than Stockton?
Stockton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in Stockton.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Stockton?
Median rent is $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA and $1,577/mo in Stockton, CA. Stockton, CA has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — San Francisco or Stockton?
Median household income is $140,970 in San Francisco, CA and $79,907 in Stockton, CA. San Francisco, 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 — San Francisco or Stockton?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Stockton to match my San Francisco income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in San Francisco, CA is equivalent to roughly $83,426 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
