($1,465) Movers From Richmond, VA to Stockton, CA

What to know before moving from Richmond to Stockton

Moving from Richmond to Stockton comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Stockton is generally more expensive than Richmond, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Stockton are 11% higher than in Richmond, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Richmond.
  Home prices in Stockton are 24.7% higher than in Richmond.
• Income in Stockton is 7.2% higher than in Richmond, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Stockton include University of the Pacific, The Herrick, and San Joaquin County Office of Education.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Stockton, since the cost of living for a single person in Stockton is 65.9% higher than in Richmond. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Stockton, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Stockton is 27.6% higher than in Richmond.
• The unemployment rate in Stockton is 45.07% higher than in Richmond.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Stockton, since the city’s sales taxes in Stockton are 50.00% higher than in Richmond.
• State income taxes in Stockton are 131.30% higher than in Richmond.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,978.41 in Stockton to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Richmond.

How life is different in Richmond vs. Stockton

• The population of Stockton is about 42% greater than Richmond, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Getting around Stockton without a car might be more difficult than in Richmond. Stockton has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Richmond is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Stockton neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Richmond. Based on its score of 44 out of 100, Stockton isn’t as walkable as Richmond, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• Stockton and Richmond are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 52 and 51 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
• The crime rate in Stockton is higher than in Richmond, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 75.2 in Stockton, it is 48.45 in Richmond. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Stockton. With a crime index of 24.8, Stockton ranks lower in overall safety than Richmond, whose index is Richmond's 51.55. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Stockton and Richmond is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Richmond vs. Stockton move

• Weather: Stockton is characterized by hot to sweltering, arid summers and pleasant to warm winters.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Stockton without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Stockton

With your sights set on "Asparagus Capital of the World", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Stockton.

Helpful moving resources