Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Charlotte is 12% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $65,789 in Charlotte.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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