City comparison
Yes. Atlanta's crime index is 197 versus 233 in Stockton, and its violent crime index is 193 versus 314, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Stockton is cheaper. Median rent is $1,577 a month versus $1,711 in Atlanta.
Atlanta and Stockton are closer on paper than many city pairs, so the move comes down to how you weight cost, safety, and climate. Typical rent sits near $1,711 in Atlanta and $1,577 in Stockton, and median household income lands at $85,652 versus $79,907. Use the category rows below to see which gaps would change your daily life.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Stockton costs less and Atlanta pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
Visit both if you can. Cities reveal themselves in the ordinary moments, a Tuesday morning commute, a Saturday errand run, not on a weekend visit.
The move
Atlanta and Stockton are 2,073 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,711 a month in Atlanta to $1,577 a month in Stockton, down $134 a month (8%).
Median household income goes from $85,652 in Atlanta to $79,907 in Stockton, down $5,745 (7%).
The crime index goes from 197 in Atlanta to 233 in Stockton, up 36 points (18%).
The move
Stockton and Atlanta are 2,073 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,577 a month in Stockton to $1,711 a month in Atlanta, up $134 a month (8%).
Median household income goes from $79,907 in Stockton to $85,652 in Atlanta, up $5,745 (7%).
The crime index goes from 233 in Stockton to 197 in Atlanta, down 36 points (15%).
Atlanta, GA
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 Atlanta and Stockton? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
8% cheaper
Stockton rent is 8% cheaper than Atlanta
Atlanta
$1,711/mo
Stockton
Winner$1,577/mo
Typical rent runs $1,577 a month in Stockton versus $1,711 in Atlanta, so Stockton is 8% cheaper. The monthly spread is about $134, or $1,608 a year: noticeable, but rent alone should not pick the city. Use this as a tie-breaker after you compare income, schools, and crime, unless you are already stretching every dollar.
Planning to buy in Stockton? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
7% higher
Atlanta's median income is 7% higher than Stockton
Atlanta
Winner$85,652
Stockton
$79,907
Median household income is $85,652 in Atlanta versus $79,907 in Stockton, so typical pay runs 7% higher in Atlanta (about $5,745 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
15% lower crime
Atlanta's crime index is 15% lower than Stockton
Atlanta
Winner197 (100 = avg)
Stockton
233 (100 = avg)
Atlanta's crime index is 197 versus 233 in Stockton (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 15% lower in Atlanta. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Atlanta, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Stockton. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
12% more comfortable
Stockton weather is 12% more comfortable than Atlanta
Atlanta
61°F avg · 70°F highs · comfort 89/100
Stockton
Winner71°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Atlanta averages about 61°F (70°F highs); Stockton averages about 71°F (83°F highs). Atlanta averages around 61°F. Stockton sits near 71°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Stockton scores 12% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Atlanta if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Atlanta is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 7% higher here ($85,652). Start with Atlanta if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Atlanta is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 15% lower than Stockton (197 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.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Stockton is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 8% cheaper here at about $1,577 a month. Choose Stockton if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Pick Stockton if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (71°F) beat Atlanta on this page's weather index by 12%. Atlanta may pay more or cost less, but Stockton is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Bottom line
On weather alone, Stockton is the warmer market (71°F) and Atlanta the cooler (61°F). Typical leases run $1,577 and $1,711; choose the climate you will tolerate year-round, not just on a visit weekend.
Stockton rent at $1,577/month is still below Atlanta's $1,711, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $85,652 in Atlanta versus $79,907 in Stockton.
Between Atlanta and Stockton, Stockton is ahead on climate — 71°F typical weather versus 61°F. Lean Atlanta instead when you would rather tolerate 61°F than optimize for Stockton's comfort score.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Atlanta and Stockton, plus other cities in GA and CA.
