Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Durham is 11% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $66,447 in Durham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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