Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
St. Paul is 12% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $65,789 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Paul has a housing index of 98 while Stockton sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $400,000 in Stockton, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $1,500 in Stockton.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Paul scores 103 while Stockton scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are higher than Stockton (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $54,658 in Stockton. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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