Oakland, CA vs Palo Alto, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Oakland has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Oakland | Palo Alto | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 374 | Oakland |
| Housing | 266 ($1,342) | 574 ($2,330) | Oakland |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 100 ($3.50) | Palo Alto |
| Food & groceries | 130 ($533) | 295 ($1,210) | Oakland |
| Utilities | 183 ($479) | 337 ($1,033) | Oakland |
| Healthcare | 183 ($346) | 337 ($746) | 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 Oakland, CA or Palo Alto, CA cheaper to live in?
Oakland, CA is cheaper overall by about 184 index points (Oakland, CA: 190, Palo Alto, CA: 374; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Oakland, CA vs Palo Alto, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Oakland, CA and $130,900/year in Palo Alto, CA to cover basic living costs.