Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Providence is 4% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $72,368 in Providence.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Stockton (101).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Providence.
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