Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Elk Grove is 33% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,180/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↓ 2%
$122,229/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 11%
$603,400 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 124%
$2,227/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 5%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $13,671/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Berkeley?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Berkeley?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $13,671/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach