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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Oakland

California
195

Los Angeles is 4% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,879/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 2%
$80,366/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 21%
$879,500 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 5%
$2,055/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 5%
3,857,897
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,003/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Oakland — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Oakland?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Oakland?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $17,003/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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