Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Stockton is 7% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $70,082 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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