Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Jackson is 28% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $53,947 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Mississippi salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jackson has a housing index of 56 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Jackson costs $125,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Jackson versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jackson scores 95 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jackson (88) are lower than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Jackson is $36,528 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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