Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Chicago is 6% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $70,395 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) match Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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