Stockton

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Stockton, CA

Area Guide

Delve into rich cultural experiences in California’s Central Valley

Suburban Riverside Growing Diverse Historic Agricultural Affordable

Welcome to Stockton, a dynamic city in California's Central Valley where the San Joaquin River meets an inland seaport. Located 83 miles east of San Francisco, this waterfront city combines historic charm with contemporary living. The housing market presents diverse options, from downtown apartments to residential communities, with current rental rates averaging $1,270 for a one-bedroom apartment and showing a modest annual increase of 0.5%. The rental landscape includes options ranging from studios at $1,065 to four-bedroom homes at $2,731.

Life in Stockton revolves around the waterfront district and recreational spaces like Weber Point Events Center and Victory Park. Pixie Woods, a family amusement park operating since 1954, remains a local landmark. The University of the Pacific campus contributes to the city's educational landscape, while the restored Bob Hope Theatre and the Haggin Museum showcase the area's arts and history. The Downtown District features local eateries representing the city's multicultural heritage, while the Miracle Mile district offers additional shopping and dining options. Residents enjoy water activities along the Delta channels, with access to boating at the downtown marina and walking trails at Oak Grove Regional Park.

Explore the City

Stockton's city center offers shops, restaurants, and a movie theater

Sunset along the San Joaquin River

Rent Trends

As of November 2025, the average apartment rent in Stockton, CA is $1,078 for a studio, $1,294 for one bedroom, $1,654 for two bedrooms, and $1,758 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Stockton has increased by 1.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,294/month
604 Sq Ft
House
$2,334/month
1,255 Sq Ft
Condo
$1,700/month
771 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Stockton, CA

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Stockton, CA is 18.4% higher than the national average. Generally, housing in Stockton is 32.0% more expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,078 - $1,758. You can expect to pay 6.5% more for groceries, 43.1% more for utilities, and 21.7% more for transportation.

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Transportation

54

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

26

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

54

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Elkhorn

Public

Grades 4-8

266 Students

Commodore Stockton Skills

Public

Grades K-8

1,007 Students

Brookside

Public

Grades K-8

731 Students

Peyton Elementary & Middle Schools

Public

Grades K-8

826 Students

George W. Bush Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

791 Students

Elkhorn

Public

Grades 4-8

266 Students

Christa McAuliffe Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

632 Students

Commodore Stockton Skills

Public

Grades K-8

1,007 Students

Brookside

Public

Grades K-8

731 Students

Peyton Elementary & Middle Schools

Public

Grades K-8

826 Students

Middle College High

Public

Grades 9-12

315 Students

Lincoln High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,936 Students

Bear Creek High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,937 Students

Edison High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,558 Students

Cesar Chavez High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,257 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Children's Museum of Stockton
  • Calaveras River Bike Path
  • Boreal Mountain Resort
  • Oak Grove Nature Center
  • San Joaquin County Historical Museum

Airports

  • Stockton Metro

Top Apartments in Stockton

Houses for Rent in Stockton

Property Management Companies in Stockton, CA

Living in Stockton

Transportation

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A sophisticated public transportation system knits the community together, and provides ready access to the many Stockton residents who need to get to work, school, and play. As seen from the sections above, there is plenty of things to do in and around Stockton, and the San Joaquin Regional Transit District operates a full schedule of buses and trams to get area residents from Point A to Point B around town with relative ease. Additionally, for regional travel, the town hosts a local Amtrak station, and the I-5 freeway bifurcates town in two while providing ready access to all parts of the Golden State.

Shopping

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When one considers the great shopping capitals of the world, the City of Stockton, California does not immediately spring to mind, but, in fact, great shopping is one of the town’s best-kept secrets. Residents have diverse retail offerings in the heart of the downtown district at the Lincoln Center. Home to more than 90 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, Lincoln Center has been serving the Stockton, California area for more than six decades. For direct freeway access, located at the intersection of the I-5 freeway and Eight Mile Road, Park West Place features convenient shopping and great food at any of the many available eateries. At one time at the heart of the California Gold Rush, the Stockton area is also excellent for antiquing opportunities. Perusing the out-of-the way garage and yard sales will provide hours of entertainment for the antique collector in the family.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.