Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Richmond is 10% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $67,763 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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