Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Madison is 7% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $69,737 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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