Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Austin is 6% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $70,395 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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