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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Torrance

California
218

Oakland is 11% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,917/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 15%
$97,369/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 16%
$924,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 12%
$2,164/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 6%
438,072
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $15,736/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Torrance — common questions

Is Oakland or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Torrance?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Torrance?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $15,736/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Torrance details →

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