Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Laredo, TX (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Oakland is 191% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,917/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 48%
$97,369/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 35%
$924,700 ↑ 407%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 80%
$2,164/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 51%
438,072
Population
255,949

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $916/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $10,992/year.

Median household income is $34,105/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Laredo residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Laredo — common questions

Is Oakland or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Laredo?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $916/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Laredo?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $34,105/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Laredo

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