Oakland, California has an overall cost of living index of 117.6, which is 17.6 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,979 per month, while the typical home is valued around $929,900. Households earn a median of $101,600 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 60. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$101,600
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,979
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$929,900
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
117.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$2,142
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,385
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,912
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,724
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
117.6
Goods
115.2
Rents / Housing
200.1
Services
162.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $187,840 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $178,450 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $96,460 |
| ⚡Electrician | $104,240 |
| 📊Accountant | $119,870 |
| 🔧Plumber | $86,270 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $266,170 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $134,970 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $178,780 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $129,130 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $180,440 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $68,410 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $185,080 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
439,418
Latest estimate
Median Age
37.9 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
60.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
N/A
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$1,984
Per month
Avg Home Value
$815,775
Census ACS
January Avg
50°F
July Avg
64°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Dry/Arid · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
31.4
poor
Hospitals
5
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
94.4%
What is the cost of living index for Oakland?
Oakland has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 117.6. The US national average is 100, so Oakland is 17.6 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Oakland?
The median gross rent in Oakland is $1,979 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Oakland?
The median household income in Oakland is $101,600 per year.
What is the median home value in Oakland?
The median home value in Oakland is $929,900 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Oakland?
Oakland has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 60.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Oakland?
Tax data for California is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
