Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Oakland is 167% more expensive than High Point.

$1,917/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 45%
$97,369/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 37%
$924,700 ↑ 335%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 77%
$2,164/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 50%
438,072
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $36,141/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs High Point — common questions

Is Oakland or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and High Point?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or High Point?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $36,141/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View High Point details →

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