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

Orange

California
206
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Orange is 18% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,252/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↓ 6%
$116,945/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 7%
$900,700 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 50%
$2,394/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 2%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $8,387/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Orange or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Berkeley?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Berkeley?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $8,387/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 Orange or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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