Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Ventura, CA (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Ventura

California
183

Berkeley is 37% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,127/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 1%
$108,558/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 8%
$1,351,100 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 42%
$2,340/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 9%
120,223
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,151/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Ventura — common questions

Is Berkeley or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Ventura?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Ventura?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $8,151/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Ventura

Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley