Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Stockton is 11% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $66,797 in Stockton.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Riverside has a housing index of 155 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Riverside costs $500,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Riverside versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Riverside scores 103 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Riverside (102) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Riverside is $67,068 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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