Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Columbus is 18% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $61,184 in Columbus.
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. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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