Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Columbia is 16% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $63,158 in Columbia.
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. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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