Median rent is 21% lower in Oakland ($1,917/mo vs $2,419/mo). Buying is cheaper in Oakland, where the median home runs $924,700 versus $1,380,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($141,446 vs $97,369 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (118.0).
City A
Oakland, CA
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Oakland, CA?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Oakland
California
San Francisco
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Oakland — median rent of $1,917/mo versus $2,419/mo in San Francisco, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,380,500 versus $924,700 in Oakland — 33% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so San Francisco is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; San Francisco has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Oakland
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
San Francisco
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Oakland (avg AQI 75.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,446/yr).
Pick Oakland if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,917/mo median).
Is Oakland cheaper than San Francisco?
Oakland is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 118.0 versus 118.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Oakland.
How much is rent in Oakland vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,917/mo in Oakland, CA and $2,419/mo in San Francisco, CA. Oakland, CA has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Oakland or San Francisco?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland, CA and $141,446 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Oakland or San Francisco?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. San Francisco, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Oakland income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Oakland, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in San Francisco, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology