Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Cleveland is 24% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $57,237 in Cleveland.
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. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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