Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Ontario, CA (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Ontario

California
152

Oakland is 28% more expensive than Ontario.

$1,917/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ≈ Same
$97,369/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 15%
$924,700 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 39%
$2,164/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 9%
438,072
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,563/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Ontario — common questions

Is Oakland or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Ontario?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Ontario?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $14,563/year higher in Oakland.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Ontario

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa