Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Stockton is 3% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $72,458 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Hampshire salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manchester has a housing index of 140 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Manchester costs $350,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Manchester versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Manchester scores 105 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Manchester (112) are higher than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Manchester is $65,018 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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