Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Oakland, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 13.8% cheaper than Oakland, CA. This translates to saving $1034 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in Oakland, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Oakland, CA, you'd need approximately $137,597.015 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Oakland, CA and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 19.8% cheaper than in Oakland, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $2,420/month in Oakland, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Oakland, CA to Los Angeles, CA?

Moving from Oakland, CA to Los Angeles, CA could save you approximately $1034 per month, or $12403 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Oakland, CA vs Los Angeles, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Oakland, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.6K in Los Angeles, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,034

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Oakland, CA

Population:441K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$575K

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$885K

Oakland, CA

The Golden State

441K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 441K residents.

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Oakland, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Oakland, CA	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,667/mo	$7,749/mo	↓ $1,918less	19.8%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $751more	53.4%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$554/mo	↓ $152less	21.6%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $93.74less	5.1%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$557/mo	↑ $92.89more	20.0%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $88.93less	7.9%

Housing

↓ 19.8%

Oakland, CA

$9,667

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$1,918

less

Transportation

↑ 53.4%

Oakland, CA

$1,407

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$751

Healthcare

↓ 21.6%

Oakland, CA

$706

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$152

less

Other

↓ 5.1%

Oakland, CA

$1,825

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$93.74

less

All Utilities

↑ 20.0%

Oakland, CA

$464

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$92.89

Groceries

↓ 7.9%

Oakland, CA

$1,129

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$88.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,770

To$1,910

↑ $140

1 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,135

↑ $145

2 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,660

↑ $240

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$3,370

↑ $280

Oakland, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,990–$2,510/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$15,199

Monthly in Oakland, CA

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$1,409

Difference

Home Values

Oakland

Los Angeles

$575K

Median Value

$885K

↓ -9.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↓ -12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$433K - $1.10M

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 54% more expensive than Oakland

Calculate payment - Oakland Calculate payment - Los Angeles

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Oakland, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Oakland, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.