Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Los Angeles and Oakland have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Amazon affiliate links