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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Ontario is 39% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,916/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 11%
$82,806/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 31%
$568,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 138%
$1,967/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 19%
178,347
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $25,752/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Ontario or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Berkeley?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Berkeley?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $25,752/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Ontario or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ontario details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Berkeley

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach