Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Portland and Stockton have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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