Portland, Oregon, and Stockton, California, offer distinctly different living experiences. Portland boasts a vibrant arts scene, a robust labor market, and a focus on sustainability, while Stockton taps into California's strong agricultural industry and provides unique bay-side living opportunities. However, both cities grapple with safety concerns and differing costs of living. Weather and geographical conditions vary considerably, with Portland experiencing a more rainy climate and Stockton offering a warmer Mediterranean climate. In this comparison, we delve into various factors to consider when looking at relocation or a visit to these cities.
Distance between
Portland, OR and
Stockton, CA : 526.0 miles
Portland's population is larger by 99%. Its population has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) since 2000. The population of Stockton has grown by 78,349 people (32.1%) during that time.
Both Portland and Stockton have higher crime rates than the national average, but the degree of crimes differs. While property crime is a concern in both cities, violent crime is more prevalent in Stockton. Portland has experienced a rise in protests in recent years, which have led to isolated incidences of crime, mostly downtown. Authorities in both cities are always working towards ensuring safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 374 registered sex offenders living in Portland and 958 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Portland is 1,710 to 1; the ratio in Stockton is 321 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Portland than in Stockton.
Cost of Living
Living costs are substantially higher in Portland than in Stockton, primarily due to housing costs. Portland's home values are much more than Stockton's, where affordable housing options are available. Both cities have higher costs of living compared to the national average, with Portland tipping towards the expensive end.
Income Tax
While Oregon has a high state income tax rate, California's is one of the highest in the country.
Property Tax
Homeowners in Portland face higher property tax rates compared to homeowners in Stockton.
Sales Tax
Oregon does not have a sales tax, a major benefit for Portland residents. California has a high sales tax, with Stockton residents paying a sales tax of 9%.
Income
Type
Portland
Stockton
Estimated median household income
$79,057
$69,844
Estimated per capita income
$49,003
$26,811
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
106.5
99.1
If you make $50,000 in Stockton, you will have to make $53,734 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Portland features stunning geographical conditions from the nearby Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. Stockton's bay-side location on the San Joaquin River provides beautiful waterfront views.
In terms of education, both cities have quality institutions to offer. Portland is home to several universities, including the well-known Portland State University. Stockton is home to University of the Pacific and San Joaquin Delta College. Both cities have strong public school districts and a variety of private and charter options.
The economy in Portland is robust and diverse, with strong sectors in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. In Stockton, the economy is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Unemployment rates in Portland are typically lower than in Stockton.
Biggest Employers
Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Nike are among the top employers in Portland. In Stockton, the largest employers are San Joaquin County, Stockton Unified School District, and St. Joseph's Medical Center.
There were 474 building permits issued in Portland in 2012 (23 more than in 2011) compared to 548 building permits issued in Stockton in 2012 (421 more than in 2011).
In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Stockton (San Joaquin County), 55.6% voted for Democrats and 41.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
2020
79.2%
55.6%
17.9%
41.8%
2.9%
2.6%
2016
73.3%
53.4%
17.0%
39.2%
9.7%
7.5%
2012
75.4%
55.6%
20.6%
41.9%
4.0%
2.5%
2008
76.7%
54.2%
20.6%
43.6%
2.7%
2.2%
2004
71.6%
46.3%
27.1%
53.7%
1.3%
0.0%
2000
63.8%
47.9%
28.3%
49.1%
7.9%
3.0%
1996
59.2%
46.3%
26.3%
44.9%
14.4%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.2%
26.8%
6.7%
4.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.2%
4.0%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.7%
3.4%
3.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.8%
0.3%
2.7%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
2.2%
0.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.5%
1.1%
3.8%
10.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.2%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.5%
1.0%
2.0%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.1%
0.6%
0.5%
1.3%
CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH NORTH AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.2%
1.3%
Weather
Weather varies greatly between these cities. Portland, situated in the Pacific Northwest, experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by wet, cool winters and dry, warm summers. Stockton, located in interior California, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild, wet winters. The fog can be a common occurrence in Stockton during winter.
Weather and climate
Type
Portland
Stockton
Temperature - Average
53.9°F
60.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
76.5%
63.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42%
59%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
44%
27%
Precipitation - Yearly average
41.6 in
16.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
12.8 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
11.3%
30.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
54.7%
81.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
44.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
91.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
20%
47.5%
Wind speed - Average
8.1 mph
8.3 mph
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Average climate in Stockton, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
Portland
Stockton
2018
79
124
0.26
0.30
8.8
12.2
21.4
23.2
N/A
0.006
30.5
N/A
7.2
16.5
0.4
0.8
2017
93
108
0.26
0.29
8.7
11.3
22.6
23.4
N/A
0.005
27.4
N/A
7.1
12.3
0.4
1.5
2016
72
111
0.25
0.26
8.7
12.2
20.8
21.7
N/A
0.005
22.2
N/A
5.2
12.7
0.2
1.5
2015
91
113
0.28
0.27
9.2
11.9
20.1
24.0
N/A
0.005
26.3
N/A
7.4
12.7
0.5
1.0
2014
91
109
0.24
0.26
8.5
13.4
21.0
26.1
N/A
0.005
26.9
N/A
6.3
11.5
0.8
0.8
2013
85
111
0.29
0.31
9.6
15.5
17.9
23.8
N/A
0.005
29.8
N/A
8.6
15.7
1.1
0.6
2012
78
114
0.30
0.19
9.1
14.4
21.0
24.2
N/A
0.005
24.0
N/A
7.4
12.4
0.6
0.7
2011
89
105
0.34
0.25
9.4
15.5
18.5
22.1
N/A
0.003
23.5
N/A
8.1
12.6
0.8
0.9
2010
80
96
0.33
0.14
9.1
13.9
19.4
21.9
N/A
0.003
14.0
N/A
6.4
9.1
1.4
1.1
2009
95
98
0.32
0.20
10.2
15.3
20.0
21.1
N/A
0.005
15.8
N/A
8.4
6.0
1.6
1.0
2008
101
107
0.34
0.26
10.9
16.8
19.2
22.7
N/A
N/A
24.7
N/A
8.8
10.2
1.0
1.1
2007
101
110
0.35
0.34
11.4
16.4
18.1
21.5
N/A
0.009
19.5
N/A
8.8
12.5
1.3
1.1
2006
106
94
N/A
0.41
N/A
18.4
N/A
22.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
N/A
1.5
2.1
2005
96
81
N/A
0.44
N/A
17.2
N/A
20.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
1.7
2.0
2004
92
82
N/A
0.47
N/A
17.1
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
25.2
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
1.6
2003
77
89
N/A
0.55
N/A
18.4
N/A
19.1
0.008
N/A
26.1
N/A
8.6
N/A
N/A
2.2
2002
68
86
N/A
0.53
N/A
20.5
N/A
18.9
0.010
0.007
29.2
N/A
8.4
N/A
N/A
2.5
2001
73
97
N/A
0.54
N/A
19.4
N/A
19.7
0.008
0.006
28.3
N/A
8.9
N/A
N/A
2.1
2000
52
99
N/A
0.64
N/A
21.2
N/A
18.9
N/A
0.007
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
Portland
Stockton
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.4%
10.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,575.5%
8,060.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
20%
Transportation
Portland boasts an efficient public transit system, with buses, light rail, and bike lanes making commuting easy. Stockton's public transit includes buses and the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train to the Bay Area. However, commuting tends to be more car-centric here.
Transport
Type
Portland
Stockton
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
804
146
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
9
Means of transportation to work
Type
Portland
Stockton
Bicycle
3.1%
0.2%
Bus
4.6%
0.6%
Carpooled
9.4%
13.3%
Car alone
76.2%
83.6%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.9%
0.1%
Streetcar
0.3%
0%
Walked
3.8%
1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Portland
Stockton
Average
28.8 min
29.9 min
Other means
21.8 min
26.4 min
Public transportation
38.2 min
44.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Portland
Stockton
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
86.7%
In 2 person carpool
8.4%
8.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Portland's real estate market is hot, with higher prices than the national average. Residential areas blend historic homes with modern condos. Stockton's real estate market is more affordable, with a mix of suburban and urban living options.
Neighborhoods
Portland neighborhoods offer a mix of urban and suburban vibes. Popular neighborhoods include Pearl District, known for its arts scene, and Hawthorne, popular with mature hipsters. Stockton has diverse neighborhoods like Brookside with its tranquil lakes and Lincoln Village, known for shopping.
Houses and residents
Type
Portland
Stockton
Houses
303,483
102,642
Average household size (people)
2.3
3.2
Median year apartment built
1976
1977
Median year house/condo built
1954
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
13.2 years
Houses occupied
286,734 (94.5%)
97,447 (94.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
153,121 (53.4%)
53,081 (54.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
133,613 (46.6%)
44,366 (45.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,917
$586.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,535
$1,381
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$248,225
$363,278
Estimated median house or condo value
$520,200
$382,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$568,464
$374,875
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$576,814
$434,326
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$426,181
$234,826
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$466,898
$243,924
Median house price - mobile homes
$136,996
$146,499
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$416,951
$256,924
Median house price - All housing units
$544,799
$367,426
Median house age
56
42
Renting percentage
46.3%
48.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,259.4
1,876.1
House value disparities
23.1%
23.2%
Household income disparities
44.7%
42.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$122,948
$102,856
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,663
$70,897
Housing units without a mortgage
2,404 (2.2%)
338 (0.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
11,239 (10.1%)
2,064 (5.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
108,864 (97.8%)
36,674 (99.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
396 (0.4%)
329 (0.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,832 (11.5%)
2,814 (7.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Portland
Stockton
One, detached
53.3%
68.0%
One, attached
5.7%
6.7%
Two
3.5%
2.6%
3 or 4
4.5%
5.0%
5 to 9
4.0%
4.2%
10 to 19
4.7%
4.3%
20 to 49
6.6%
3.3%
50 or more
16.2%
4.6%
Mobile homes
1.2%
1.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.3%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,437
7,637
State government workers
15,615
6,210
Unpaid family workers
688
95
Industries and Occupations
Portland leads in the technology, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Nike, Intel, and Providence Health & Services are top employers. In Stockton, top industries include agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Top employers are St. Joseph's Medical Center, San Joaquin County, and Stockton Unified School District.
Both cities host excellent healthcare facilities. Portland is home to Oregon Health & Science University's top-rated hospital, while Stockton offers St. Joseph's Medical Center, recognized for superior care.
Both cities have seen significant infrastructure development. Portland's emphasis on sustainability is evident in its green buildings and extensive bike paths. Stockton has invested heavily in waterfront development and revitalization efforts, especially its downtown area.
Infrastructure
Type
Portland
Stockton
Hospitals
21
17
TV stations
18
14
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
208
54
Bank institutions located here
30
19
Main business address for public companies
32
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
14
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Portland
Stockton
1999
1,922
548
2000
1,651
606
2001
1,193
597
2002
1,235
622
2003
1,844
1,557
2004
2,651
2,481
2005
3,396
3,201
2006
3,510
3,075
2007
3,008
1,611
2008
1,465
744
2009
712
362
Culture and Food
Portland is known for its thriving arts scene and robust food culture, with renowned food trucks, farm-to-table cuisine, and craft breweries. Stockton delivers a blend of American and international cuisine reflecting its diverse population.
Sports Teams
Sport enthusiasts will enjoy Portland's NBA team, the Trail Blazers, and the popular soccer team, the Timbers. Stockton doesn't have major league teams but offers minor league baseball and hockey.
Portland, OR
Stockton, CA
Portland, OR and 
Stockton, CA : 526.0 miles
