Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
New Orleans is 15% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $63,816 in New Orleans.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in New Orleans.
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