Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Oakland, CA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Oakland

California
195

New York is 15% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,779/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 8%
$79,713/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 22%
$751,700 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 23%
$1,837/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 18%
8,516,202
Population
438,072

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $17,656/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making New York slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Oakland — common questions

Is New York or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New York is cheaper to live in with an index of 166 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Oakland?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Oakland?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $17,656/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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.
View New York details → View Oakland details →

More Comparisons

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