Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Asheville is 5% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $71,053 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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