Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
El Paso is 25% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $55,921 in El Paso.
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. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Stockton (101).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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