Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
St. Louis is 21% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $59,211 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Louis scores 97 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are lower than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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