California · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Stockton, CA

The median household in Stockton, CA earns $79,907 a year ($6,659/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,742/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $69,680 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 5.1% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$79,907$6,659 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,742HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)105.1+5.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate34.7¢per kWh · EIA Residential CA
Census Population322,326Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Stockton, CA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,742Monthly market rent
Share of gross income26.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$69,680To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,998At 30% of $79,907
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Stockton, CA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Stockton-Lodi, CA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Stockton, CA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,288$15,456$51,52019.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,395$16,740$55,80020.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,742$20,904$69,68026.2%
3-Bedroom Home$2,423$29,076$96,92036.4%
4-Bedroom Home$2,922$35,064$116,88043.9%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Stockton, CA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Stockton, CA

Based on the local median household income of $79,907/year ($6,659/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,329/moRent ($1,742 2-BR), utilities (~$313/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,998/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 105.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,332/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in California

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and California state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$79,907
$30,000$160,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$79,907
Net 77%
Fed 11%
CA 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$61,858After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,155Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,379Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate22.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$8,750 / yr
California state income tax$3,186 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,113 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across California with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Stockton, CA

What is the median household income in Stockton, CA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Stockton, CA is $79,907 per year (approximately $6,659 per month).

What is the average rent in Stockton, CA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Stockton, CA are $1,288 for a studio, $1,395 for 1 bedroom, $1,742 for 2 bedrooms, $2,423 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,922 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Stockton, CA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Stockton, CA is 105.1 (5.1% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Stockton, CA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,742/month) in Stockton, CA requires a minimum gross household income of $69,680 per year ($5,807 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Stockton, CA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $79,907/year ($6,659/month) in Stockton, CA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,329/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,998/month to discretionary spending, and $1,332/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Stockton, CA?

Residential electricity rates in California average 34.7¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $313 per month.