Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Stockton, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 25.2% more expensive than Stockton, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1891 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Stockton, CA, you'd need approximately $172,695.652 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Stockton, CA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 48.9% more expensive than in Stockton, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,530/month in Stockton, CA.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $1891 more per month than Stockton, CA, or $22696 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Stockton, CA vs San Diego, CA: 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 spend $1.9K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.7K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 25.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,891

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$22.7K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

125

(25% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Stockton, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Stockton, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Stockton, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,508/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $1,715more	48.9%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$638/mo	↑ $136more	27.2%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $134more	7.6%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$634/mo	↑ $104more	19.6%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $95.62more	6.5%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $9.99less	0.9%

Housing

↑ 48.9%

Stockton, CA

$3,508

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$1,715

Healthcare

↑ 27.2%

Stockton, CA

$502

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$136

Other

↑ 7.6%

Stockton, CA

$1,758

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$134

All Utilities

↑ 19.6%

Stockton, CA

$530

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$104

Transportation

↑ 6.5%

Stockton, CA

$1,475

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$95.62

Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Stockton, CA

$1,089

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,130

To$2,565

↑ $1,435

1 Bed

From$1,230

To$2,755

↑ $1,525

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$3,360

↑ $1,830

3 Bed

From$2,130

To$4,475

↑ $2,345

Stockton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,940/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,175

Difference

Home Values

Stockton

San Diego

$400K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +19.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$323K - $548K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 145% more expensive than Stockton

Calculate payment - Stockton Calculate payment - San Diego

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

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

San Diego, 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

Stockton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Diego, 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.