Cost of Living: Santa Clara, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Santa Clara is 56% more expensive than Berkeley.

$2,985/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↓ 29%
$173,670/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 37%
$1,527,900 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↓ 12%
$3,051/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 23%
129,239
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $858/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $10,296/year.

Median household income is $65,112/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Berkeley is cheaper to live in with an index of 251 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Berkeley?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $858/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Berkeley?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $65,112/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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.
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