Oakland, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Oakland has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Oakland | Santa Cruz | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 230 | Oakland |
| Housing | 266 ($1,342) | 339 ($1,611) | Oakland |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 130 ($533) | 149 ($611) | Oakland |
| Utilities | 183 ($479) | 220 ($610) | Oakland |
| Healthcare | 183 ($346) | 220 ($441) | 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 Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Oakland, CA is cheaper overall by about 40 index points (Oakland, CA: 190, Santa Cruz, CA: 230; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Oakland, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Oakland, CA and $80,500/year in Santa Cruz, CA to cover basic living costs.