Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Cincinnati is 20% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $59,868 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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