Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Milwaukee is 19% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $60,526 in Milwaukee.
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. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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