Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Oakland is 14% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,917/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 26%
$97,369/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 23%
$924,700 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 13%
$2,164/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 13%
438,072
Population
196,010

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $22,516/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Oakland or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $22,516/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Oakland or Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Huntington Beach details →

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