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

Concord

California
187
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Concord is 25% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,226/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↓ 4%
$109,195/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$108,558/yr ≈ Same
$755,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 79%
$2,284/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 2%
124,260
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Concord, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $637/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Concord is $755,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Concord vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Concord or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Concord is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Concord and Berkeley?
Median rent in Concord is $2,226/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Concord or Berkeley?
Median household income is $109,195 in Concord and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $637/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Concord has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $2,226/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Concord details → View Berkeley details →

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