Is Denver, CO cheaper than Stockton, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 4.3% cheaper than Stockton, CA. This translates to saving $326 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Stockton, CA, you'd need approximately $146,086.957 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 7.4% cheaper than in Stockton, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,530/month in Stockton, CA.

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

Moving from Stockton, CA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $326 per month, or $3913 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Stockton, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $326/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.1K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$326

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

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

Stockton, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$400K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$513K

Stockton, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Stockton, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Stockton, CA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $260less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$632/mo	↑ $130more	25.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.5%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $13.66less	0.9%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$519/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.4%

Stockton, CA

$3,508

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$260

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 25.9%

Stockton, CA

$502

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$130

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Stockton, CA

$1,089

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$59.96

less

📦Other

↑ 1.0%

Stockton, CA

$1,758

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$16.74

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.9%

Stockton, CA

$1,475

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$13.66

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Stockton, CA

$530

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$10.93

less

🏛️ 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$1,130

To$1,720

↑ $590

1 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,840

↑ $610

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$2,190

↑ $660

3 Bed

From$2,130

To$2,870

↑ $740

Stockton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,940/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,862

Monthly in Stockton, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$198

Difference

Home Values

Stockton

Denver

$400K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +19.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$323K - $548K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 28% more expensive than Stockton

Calculate payment - Stockton Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Stockton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.