Is Salt Lake City, UT cheaper than Stockton, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Salt Lake City, UT is 13.3% cheaper than Stockton, CA. This translates to saving $995 per month.

What salary do I need in Salt Lake City, UT to live like I do in Stockton, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Stockton, CA, you'd need approximately $138,061.035 in Salt Lake City, UT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Stockton, CA and Salt Lake City, UT?

Housing in Salt Lake City, UT is 27.9% cheaper than in Stockton, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Salt Lake City, UT compared to $1,530/month in Stockton, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Stockton, CA to Salt Lake City, UT?

Moving from Stockton, CA to Salt Lake City, UT could save you approximately $995 per month, or $11939 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Stockton, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Stockton, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $995/month moving to Salt Lake City, UT

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.1K in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Overall Cost

↓ 13.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$995

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.9K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$400K

Salt Lake City, UT

Population:210K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$518K

Stockton, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Salt Lake City, UT

The Beehive State

210K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Utah, this city has a population of 210K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Stockton, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT

Category	Stockton, CA	Salt Lake City, UT	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,531/mo	↓ $977less	27.9%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,247/mo	↓ $228less	15.5%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$950/mo	↓ $139less	12.8%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$625/mo	↑ $123more	24.5%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,670/mo	↓ $87.98less	5.0%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$472/mo	↓ $58.28less	11.0%

Housing

↓ 27.9%

Stockton, CA

$3,508

Salt Lake City, UT

$2,531

Difference

$977

less

Transportation

↓ 15.5%

Stockton, CA

$1,475

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,247

Difference

$228

less

Groceries

↓ 12.8%

Stockton, CA

$1,089

Salt Lake City, UT

$950

Difference

$139

less

Healthcare

↑ 24.5%

Stockton, CA

$502

Salt Lake City, UT

$625

Difference

$123

Other

↓ 5.0%

Stockton, CA

$1,758

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,670

Difference

$87.98

less

All Utilities

↓ 11.0%

Stockton, CA

$530

Salt Lake City, UT

$472

Difference

$58.28

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,130

To$1,008

↓ $122

1 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,168

↓ $62.00

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,400

↓ $130

3 Bed

From$2,130

To$1,872

↓ $258

Stockton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,940/mo

Salt Lake City, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,820/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

$7,494

Monthly in Salt Lake City, UT

$1,368

Difference

Home Values

Stockton

Salt Lake City

$400K

Median Value

$518K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +19.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.4%

$323K - $548K

Price Range

$400K - $902K

Homes in Salt Lake City are 30% more expensive than Stockton

Calculate payment - Stockton Calculate payment - Salt Lake City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$279

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

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

Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Utah State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,809/month

$105.7K

Additional Tax Information

Stockton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

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.