Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Stockton, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 10.3% cheaper than Stockton, CA. This translates to saving $770 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Stockton, CA, you'd need approximately $140,765.217 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Stockton, CA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 20.5% cheaper than in Stockton, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,530/month in Stockton, CA.

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

Moving from Stockton, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $770 per month, or $9235 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Stockton, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $770/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$770

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$414K

Stockton, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Stockton, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Stockton, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $720less	20.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$963/mo	↓ $126less	11.6%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$589/mo	↑ $86.74more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $80.35less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$561/mo	↑ $31.15more	5.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $13.66more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 20.5%

Stockton, CA

$3,508

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$720

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.6%

Stockton, CA

$1,089

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$126

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.3%

Stockton, CA

$502

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$86.74

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

Stockton, CA

$1,758

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$80.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.9%

Stockton, CA

$530

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$31.15

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.9%

Stockton, CA

$1,475

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$13.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,130

To$1,390

↑ $260

1 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,510

↑ $280

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,750

↑ $220

3 Bed

From$2,130

To$2,330

↑ $200

Stockton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,940/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$795

Difference

Home Values

Stockton

Phoenix

$400K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +19.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$323K - $548K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 3% more expensive than Stockton

Calculate payment - Stockton Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$449

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Stockton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.