Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Fort Worth is 17% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $62,500 in Fort Worth.
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. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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