Is Stockton, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Stockton, CA is 4.5% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $341 per month.

What salary do I need in Stockton, CA to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $154,090.909 in Stockton, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Stockton, CA?

Housing in Stockton, CA is 8.0% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,530/month in Stockton, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denver, CO to Stockton, CA?

Living in Stockton, CA costs approximately $341 more per month than Denver, CO, or $4091 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denver, CO vs Stockton, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $341/month more in Stockton, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.1K in Stockton, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$341

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$513K

Stockton, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$400K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Stockton, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 310K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Stockton, CA

Category	Denver, CO	Stockton, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$3,508/mo	↑ $260more	8.0%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$502/mo	↓ $130less	20.6%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $59.96more	5.8%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,475/mo	↑ $13.66more	0.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$530/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.1%

Housing

↑ 8.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Stockton, CA

$3,508

Difference

$260

Healthcare

↓ 20.6%

Denver, CO

$632

Stockton, CA

$502

Difference

$130

less

Groceries

↑ 5.8%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Stockton, CA

$1,089

Difference

$59.96

Other

↓ 0.9%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Stockton, CA

$1,758

Difference

$16.74

less

Transportation

↑ 0.9%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Stockton, CA

$1,475

Difference

$13.66

All Utilities

↑ 2.1%

Denver, CO

$519

Stockton, CA

$530

Difference

$10.93

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Stockton, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,720

To$1,130

↓ $590

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,230

↓ $610

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,530

↓ $660

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$2,130

↓ $740

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Stockton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,940/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$8,862

Monthly in Stockton, CA

$198

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Stockton

$513K

Median Value

$400K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +19.5%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$323K - $548K

Homes in Stockton are 22% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Stockton

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$336

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Stockton, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Stockton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.