Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Dallas is 10% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $67,763 in Dallas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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