City comparison
No. Stockton's crime index is 233 versus 293 in Albuquerque, and its violent crime index is 314 versus 320, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Albuquerque is cheaper. Median rent is $1,145 a month versus $1,577 in Stockton.
The cost gap between Albuquerque and Stockton is the real story here. Albuquerque comes in 27% cheaper on typical rent ($1,145 vs $1,577), which over a year adds up to $5,184. Median household income runs $68,317 in Albuquerque and $79,907 in Stockton.
This is a genuine split. Albuquerque wins on cost of living and Stockton wins on the job market and safety. Which matters more depends entirely on how you live: remote workers and families weight these categories differently than commuters or single professionals.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Albuquerque at $1,145 average has pockets that run $945 and others at $1,545: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Albuquerque and Stockton are 836 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,145 a month in Albuquerque to $1,577 a month in Stockton, up $432 a month (38%).
Median household income goes from $68,317 in Albuquerque to $79,907 in Stockton, up $11,590 (17%).
The crime index goes from 293 in Albuquerque to 233 in Stockton, down 60 points (20%).
The move
Stockton and Albuquerque are 836 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,577 a month in Stockton to $1,145 a month in Albuquerque, down $432 a month (27%).
Median household income goes from $79,907 in Stockton to $68,317 in Albuquerque, down $11,590 (15%).
The crime index goes from 233 in Stockton to 293 in Albuquerque, up 60 points (26%).
Albuquerque, NM
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Stockton, CA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Albuquerque and Stockton? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
27% cheaper
Albuquerque rent is 27% cheaper than Stockton
Albuquerque
Winner$1,145/mo
Stockton
$1,577/mo
Typical rent runs $1,145 a month in Albuquerque versus $1,577 in Stockton, so Albuquerque is 27% cheaper. That's roughly $432/month back in your pocket ($5,184/year). Over five years that's $25,920 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Stockton, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Albuquerque is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Stockton? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
17% higher
Stockton's median income is 17% higher than Albuquerque
Albuquerque
$68,317
Stockton
Winner$79,907
Median household income is $79,907 in Stockton versus $68,317 in Albuquerque, so typical pay runs 17% higher in Stockton (about $11,590 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Stockton is the stronger labor market on paper. Albuquerque can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
20% lower crime
Stockton's crime index is 20% lower than Albuquerque
Albuquerque
293 (100 = avg)
Stockton
Winner233 (100 = avg)
Stockton's crime index is 233 versus 293 in Albuquerque (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 20% lower in Stockton. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Stockton is the easier city. Albuquerque can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Albuquerque and Stockton are about even on typical weather.
Albuquerque
65°F avg · 72°F highs · comfort 100/100
Stockton
71°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Albuquerque averages about 65°F (72°F highs); Stockton averages about 71°F (83°F highs). Albuquerque sits near 65°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Stockton sits near 71°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 27% cheaper here at about $1,145 a month. Choose Albuquerque if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Stockton is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 17% higher here ($79,907). Start with Stockton if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Stockton is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 20% lower than Albuquerque (233 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Stockton runs $1,577/month while Albuquerque sits at $1,145 — roughly 27% lower on typical leases. Unless your offer letter is Stockton-sized, that monthly gap compounds fast.
Albuquerque rent at $1,145/month is still below Stockton's $1,577, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $79,907 in Stockton versus $68,317 in Albuquerque.
Between Albuquerque and Stockton, Albuquerque is ahead on housing cost — $1,145/month rent against $1,577. Lean Stockton instead when your $79,907 income offer in Stockton outweighs saving $432/month in Albuquerque.
Common questions
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