Side-by-side comparison

Oakland vs San Diego

Cost of living comparison for Oakland, California and San Diego, California.

Bottom line

Oakland is approximately 6% more expensive than San Diego. A single person needs about $4,784/mo in Oakland versus $4,511/mo in San Diego.

Rent in Oakland vs San Diego

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Oakland · Studio

$1,937

San Diego · Studio

$2,145

San Diego is $208 (11%) higher than Oakland

Oakland · 1 bedroom

$2,201

San Diego · 1 bedroom

$2,328

San Diego is $127 (6%) higher than Oakland

Oakland · 2 bedroom

$2,682

San Diego · 2 bedroom

$2,881

San Diego is $199 (7%) higher than Oakland

Oakland · 3 bedroom

$3,432

San Diego · 3 bedroom

$3,852

San Diego is $420 (12%) higher than Oakland

Income & earnings in Oakland vs San Diego

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Oakland · Household income

$126,240

San Diego · Household income

$102,285

Oakland is $23,955 (23%) higher than San Diego

Oakland · Individual earnings

$65,769

San Diego · Individual earnings

$49,552

Oakland is $16,217 (33%) higher than San Diego

Oakland · Per capita

$63,442

San Diego · Per capita

$49,891

Oakland is $13,551 (27%) higher than San Diego

Home values in Oakland vs San Diego

Average values and property tax.

Oakland · Average home value

$1,057,400

San Diego · Average home value

$791,600

Oakland is $265,800 (34%) higher than San Diego

Oakland · Annual property tax

$8,061

San Diego · Annual property tax

$5,542

Oakland is $2,519 (45%) higher than San Diego

Energy in Oakland vs San Diego

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Oakland · Monthly electricity

$167

San Diego · Monthly electricity

$167

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Oakland · Monthly gas

$50

San Diego · Monthly gas

$50

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Oakland · Annual total

$2,604

San Diego · Annual total

$2,604

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Healthcare in Oakland vs San Diego

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Oakland · Individual premium

$480

San Diego · Individual premium

$480

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Oakland · Family premium

$1,350

San Diego · Family premium

$1,350

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Oakland · Uninsured rate

4.1%

San Diego · Uninsured rate

6.8%

San Diego is 2.7% (66%) higher than Oakland

Taxes in Oakland vs San Diego

State income and sales tax.

Oakland · State income tax

13.3%

San Diego · State income tax

13.3%

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Oakland · State sales tax

7.3%

San Diego · State sales tax

7.3%

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Oakland · Combined sales tax

8.8%

San Diego · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Oakland and San Diego are about the same

Transportation in Oakland vs San Diego

Commute time and travel modes.

Oakland · Average commute

31.8 min

San Diego · Average commute

25.9 min

Oakland is 5.9 min (23%) higher than San Diego

Oakland · Drive alone

53.6%

San Diego · Drive alone

67.6%

San Diego is 14.0% (26%) higher than Oakland

Oakland · Public transit

9.2%

San Diego · Public transit

2.2%

Oakland is 7.0% (318%) higher than San Diego

Monthly cost estimates in Oakland vs San Diego

All categories combined.

Oakland · Single person

$4,784

San Diego · Single person

$4,511

Oakland is $273 (6%) higher than San Diego

Oakland · Couple

$7,342

San Diego · Couple

$6,941

Oakland is $401 (6%) higher than San Diego

Oakland · Family

$10,299

San Diego · Family

$10,119

Oakland is $180 (2%) higher than San Diego

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Oakland and San Diego.

Is Oakland or San Diego more expensive?

Oakland is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,784/mo in Oakland, California and $4,511/mo in San Diego, California, a difference of about 6%.

What is the rent difference between Oakland and San Diego?

Average one-bedroom rent in Oakland, California is $2,201/mo versus $2,328/mo in San Diego, California. San Diego is approximately $127 (6%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Oakland or San Diego?

Oakland has the higher average household income. Oakland households earn approximately $126,240 per year; San Diego households earn approximately $102,285 per year.

More on Oakland and San Diego

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Oakland profile San Diego profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.