Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Indianapolis is 19% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $60,526 in Indianapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Indiana salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Indianapolis has a housing index of 80 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Indianapolis costs $220,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Indianapolis versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Indianapolis scores 98 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Indianapolis (96) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Indianapolis is $49,968 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Indianapolis.
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