Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Stockton is 30% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $52,778 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
Amazon affiliate links