Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Ann Arbor and Stockton have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) match Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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