Anaheim, CA vs Oakland, CA

Anaheim, CA and Oakland, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.9% difference in their overall index. Anaheim scores 167 while Oakland scores 175 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month compared to $1,917/month in Oakland — a 9% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Oakland has cheaper rent, Anaheim actually has lower median home values ($771,700 vs $924,700).

Median household income in Anaheim is $90,583 compared to $97,369 in Oakland (-7%). While Oakland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Anaheim spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, more than the 23.6% in Oakland.