Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Minneapolis is 7% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $69,737 in Minneapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Minneapolis has a housing index of 112 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Minneapolis costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Minneapolis versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Minneapolis scores 104 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Minneapolis (105) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Minneapolis is $64,285 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Minneapolis.
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