Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Houston is 16% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $63,158 in Houston.
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. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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