Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Stockton is 12% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $65,769 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 105 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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