Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Stockton is 29% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $53,438 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Stockton scores 101.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Stockton.
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