Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Oakland is 242% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,917/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 50%
$97,369/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 46%
$924,700 ↑ 616%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 86%
$2,164/mo ↑ 135%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 58%
438,072
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $968/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $11,616/year.

Median household income is $45,118/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Evansville — common questions

Is Oakland or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Evansville?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $968/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Evansville?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $45,118/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Evansville

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