Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Stockton is 40% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $45,000 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. San Francisco has a housing index of 327 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in San Francisco costs $1,200,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $800,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,400 in San Francisco versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Francisco scores 112 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in San Francisco (113) are higher than Stockton (101).
Median household income in San Francisco is $119,136 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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