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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Ventura

California
183

Oakland is 7% more expensive than Ventura.

$1,917/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 10%
$97,369/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 3%
$924,700 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 16%
$2,164/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 2%
438,072
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $3,038/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Ventura — common questions

Is Oakland or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Ventura?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Ventura?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $3,038/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Ventura details →

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