Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Boise is 7% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $69,737 in Boise.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boise.
Amazon affiliate links