Example household · Stockton, CA · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

San Jose skyline

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Stockton vs San Jose

Stockton and San Jose

Photo: Michael / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in San Jose are under the US rate in this release, 2.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Stockton to San Jose

In 2022-2023, 861 households filed a move from Stockton to San Jose (about 1,535 people, average adjusted gross income $87,527). 2,083 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,674 in Stockton and $3,011 in San Jose. Stockton has a state tax on wages. San Jose has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Jose is 136% of the national level for the same work, against 94% in Stockton.

San Jose averages 257 sunny days, with July highs around 84°F and January nights around 42°F. Stockton is 251 sunny days, 95°F in July, 43°F in January. Commutes average 29 minutes in San Jose and 35 in Stockton.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 861 households moved Stockton → San Jose (about 1,535 people, average AGI $87,527). 2,083 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Stockton and San Jose changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 85 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,750–$3,300
Container or pod
$1,200–$2,250
Rent a truck
$400–$800

Movers in San Jose and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is San Jose cheaper than Stockton after tax and rent?

No. San Jose leaves about $1,694 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,674 in Stockton and $3,011 in San Jose.

Does San Jose have state income tax?

San Jose is in California, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Stockton to San Jose?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.