Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Stockton is 31% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $51,506 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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