Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Detroit is 22% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $58,553 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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