Berkeley, CA vs Oakland, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Oakland has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Berkeley | Oakland | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 253 | 190 | Oakland |
| Housing | 388 ($1,489) | 266 ($1,342) | Oakland |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 145 ($595) | 130 ($533) | Oakland |
| Utilities | 244 ($698) | 183 ($479) | Oakland |
| Healthcare | 244 ($504) | 183 ($346) | Oakland |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkeley, CA or Oakland, CA cheaper to live in?
Oakland, CA is cheaper overall by about 63 index points (Berkeley, CA: 253, Oakland, CA: 190; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Berkeley, CA vs Oakland, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $88,550/year in Berkeley, CA and $66,500/year in Oakland, CA to cover basic living costs.