Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Nashville is 11% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $67,105 in Nashville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Nashville scores 96 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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