Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 6% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $70,395 in Salt Lake City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Utah salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Salt Lake City has a housing index of 120 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Salt Lake City costs $440,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Salt Lake City versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Salt Lake City scores 99 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Salt Lake City (97) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $60,590 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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