Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Charleston is 25% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $55,921 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: West Virginia salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 62 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 97 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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