Davis, CA vs Oakdale, CA

The cost of living difference between Davis, CA and Oakdale, CA is dramatic. Oakdale is 43.8% cheaper than Davis, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Davis has a cost index of 168 while Oakdale sits at 117, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Davis is $2,043/month compared to $1,471/month in Oakdale — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oakdale is more affordable at $432,800 median vs $829,000.

Median household income in Davis is $87,421 compared to $86,478 in Oakdale (+1.1%). Davis does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Davis spend roughly 28% of their income on rent, more than the 20.4% in Oakdale.