What is the cost of living in Oakland?

The cost of living in Oakland is 24.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 75.3). Groceries are 10.7% more expensive than NYC. Restaurants are 3.5% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 2,376 per month. Local purchasing power index is 133.3 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 CA, United States · #22 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Oakland?

Q: Should I move to Oakland?

Oakland, CA, United States has a cost of living 24.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 75.3). It is ranked #22 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 133.3 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

24.7% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-24.7%

vs NYC

USD 2,376

1-BR, city centre

133.3

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Oakland?

Cost breakdown: Oakland

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

75.3 Very expensive

Rent

57.4 Moderate

Groceries

110.7 Expensive

Restaurants

96.5 Expensive

Purchasing Power

133.3 Very strong

Rent in Oakland

1-BR, city centre USD 2,376/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 2,020/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 4,312/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 3,800/mo

Save by going outside centre 15% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Los Angeles

CA, United States

CoL index 75.8

Compare Los Angeles vs Oakland →

🇺🇸 San Diego

CA, United States

CoL index 79.5

Compare San Diego vs Oakland →

🇺🇸 San Francisco

CA, United States

CoL index 84.1

Compare San Francisco vs Oakland →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Oakland after tax, in seconds.

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