CostIndexUSA

Buffalo, NY vs Stockton, CA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableNY
Buffalo
95.8
overall index
$1,375/mo rent
CA
Stockton
105.1
overall index
$2,325/mo rent

Buffalo is moderately cheaper than Stockton — 9.7% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Buffalo, you would need $87,800 in Stockton. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+42.7%
Buffalo
81
Stockton
115.6
🛒 Groceries+5.5%
Buffalo
99.7
Stockton
105.2
🚗 Transportation+2.6%
Buffalo
102.6
Stockton
105.3
🏥 Healthcare+2.6%
Buffalo
92.9
Stockton
95.3
Utilities+22.2%
Buffalo
129.5
Stockton
158.2

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Buffalo to see what you'd need to earn in Stockton to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Stockton, CA
$87,800
$7,800 more needed in Stockton

Formula: salary × (105.1 ÷ 95.8) = salary × 1.0971. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Buffalo, NY

Median Home Price
$269,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,375
Housing Index
81
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.3×

Stockton, CA

Median Home Price
$522,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,325
Housing Index
115.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.7×

Stockton has 42.7% higher housing costs compared to Buffalo.

Income & Job Market

Buffalo, NY

Median Household Income
$69,900
Per Capita Income
$39,800
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Population
261,025
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingFinanceGovernment

Stockton, CA

Median Household Income
$87,400
Per Capita Income
$49,800
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
Population
320,804
Top Industries
AgricultureHealthcareLogisticsManufacturingEducation

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Buffalo, NY
4.2×income-to-rent ratio

76% of income left after rent (median)

Stockton, CA
3.1×income-to-rent ratio

68% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.