Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Stockton is 6% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $70,661 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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