Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Charleston is 4% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $72,368 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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