Is Stockton, CA cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Stockton, CA is 1.7% cheaper than Sacramento, CA. This translates to saving $128 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $148,461.538 in Stockton, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sacramento, CA and Stockton, CA?

Housing in Stockton, CA is 4.3% cheaper than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,530/month in Stockton, CA compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

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

Moving from Sacramento, CA to Stockton, CA could save you approximately $128 per month, or $1538 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento, CA 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 Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $128/month moving to Stockton, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.5K in Stockton, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$128

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.5K

Per year

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

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$460K

Stockton, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$400K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K residents.

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: Sacramento, CA vs Stockton, CA

Category	Sacramento, CA	Stockton, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,664/mo	$3,508/mo	↓ $156less	4.3%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$502/mo	↓ $118less	19.0%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,475/mo	↑ $54.64more	3.8%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $29.98more	2.8%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$530/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 4.3%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Stockton, CA

$3,508

Difference

$156

less

Healthcare

↓ 19.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Stockton, CA

$502

Difference

$118

less

Transportation

↑ 3.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Stockton, CA

$1,475

Difference

$54.64

Other

↓ 2.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Stockton, CA

$1,758

Difference

$50.22

less

Groceries

↑ 2.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Stockton, CA

$1,089

Difference

$29.98

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Stockton, CA

$530

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$1,130

↓ $560

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,230

↓ $540

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,530

↓ $650

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,130

↓ $770

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$8,862

Monthly in Stockton, CA

$239

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Stockton

$460K

Median Value

$400K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +19.5%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$323K - $548K

Homes in Stockton are 13% less expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento Calculate payment - Stockton

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Sacramento, 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

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

Sacramento, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.