Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Stockton is 26% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $55,161 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Long Beach scores 106 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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