Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Oakland is 30% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $52,660 in Oakland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manhattan scores 115 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Oakland.
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