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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Orange

California
206

Oakland is 5% cheaper than Orange.

$1,917/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 17%
$97,369/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 20%
$924,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$900,700 ↓ 3%
$2,164/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 11%
438,072
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $19,576/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Orange — common questions

Is Oakland or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Orange?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Orange?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $19,576/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Orange details →

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