Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 20% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $59,868 in Grand Rapids.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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