Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Stockton, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 15.7% cheaper than Stockton, CA. This translates to saving $1174 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Stockton, CA, you'd need approximately $135,913.043 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Stockton, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 29.6% cheaper than in Stockton, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,530/month in Stockton, CA.

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

Moving from Stockton, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1174 per month, or $14087 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Stockton, CA vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $1.2K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 15.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,174

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.1K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$512K

Stockton, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Stockton, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Stockton, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,039less	29.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $191less	13.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$959/mo	↓ $130less	11.9%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$601/mo	↑ $99.13more	19.8%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$546/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 29.6%

Stockton, CA

$3,508

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,039

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.0%

Stockton, CA

$1,475

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$191

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.9%

Stockton, CA

$1,089

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$130

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 19.8%

Stockton, CA

$502

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$99.13

📦Other

↓ 2.9%

Stockton, CA

$1,758

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$50.22

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.1%

Stockton, CA

$530

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$16.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,130

To$1,570

↑ $440

1 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,640

↑ $410

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,800

↑ $270

3 Bed

From$2,130

To$2,255

↑ $125

Stockton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,940/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,295

Difference

Home Values

Stockton

Raleigh

$400K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +19.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$323K - $548K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 28% more expensive than Stockton

Calculate payment - Stockton Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Stockton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.