Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Eugene is 56% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,347/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 58%
$63,836/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 70%
$435,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 210%
$1,421/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 65%
177,520
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $44,722/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Eugene or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Berkeley?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Berkeley?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $44,722/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Berkeley details →

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