Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Birmingham is 24% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $57,237 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $235,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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