Scranton vs Stockton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Scranton
Stockton
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 21.1%, with Scranton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Scranton has equivalent purchasing power to $95,000 in Stockton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Scranton has the same purchasing power as $95,000 in Stockton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Stockton equals $59,211 in Scranton.
Living in Scranton vs Stockton
Housing Costs
Scranton's housing index of 65 is lower Stockton's 126, translating to median home prices of $195,000 vs $400,000. The $205,000 difference in home prices means roughly $13,320 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,025/mo in Scranton compared to $1,500/mo in Stockton, a monthly difference of $475.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Scranton and 101 in Stockton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Scranton vs $480/month in Stockton. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Scranton and 108 in Stockton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Scranton vs $432 in Stockton. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 90 in Scranton and 101 in Stockton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 11-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $49,500 in Scranton and $54,658 in Stockton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $55,000 and $47,946 respectively. Scranton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,155/month to housing in Scranton vs $1,275/month in Stockton. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo fits within this budget. In Stockton, median rent of $1,500/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 61 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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