Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Los Angeles is 25% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,879/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 13%
$80,366/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 35%
$879,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 54%
$2,055/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 14%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $28,192/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Berkeley?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Berkeley?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $28,192/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 Los Angeles or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Berkeley details →

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