Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Oakland is 91% more expensive than Provo.

$1,917/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 40%
$97,369/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 36%
$924,700 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 53%
$2,164/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 44%
438,072
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $34,569/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Provo — common questions

Is Oakland or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Provo?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Provo?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $34,569/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Provo details →

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