Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Fresno is 6% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $70,395 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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