Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Greenville is 17% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $62,500 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Greenville has a housing index of 85 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Greenville costs $250,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Greenville versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Greenville scores 98 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Greenville (103) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Greenville is $48,912 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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