Fresno, CA vs Stockton, CA

Fresno is moderately more affordable than Stockton, with a 10% lower cost of living index. Fresno scores 105 compared to 117 for Stockton, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Stockton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month compared to $1,495/month in Stockton — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fresno is more affordable at $348,500 median vs $412,900.

Median household income in Fresno is $66,804 compared to $76,851 in Stockton (-13.1%). While Stockton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fresno spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, more than the 23.3% in Stockton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65°F vs 63°F). Stockton receives more rainfall at 13.5" per year compared to 11" in Fresno.