Side-by-side comparison

Oakland vs Austin

Cost of living comparison for Oakland, California and Austin, Texas.

Bottom line

Oakland is approximately 29% more expensive than Austin. A single person needs about $4,784/mo in Oakland versus $3,706/mo in Austin.

Rent in Oakland vs Austin

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Oakland · Studio

$1,937

Austin · Studio

$1,549

Oakland is $388 (25%) higher than Austin

Oakland · 1 bedroom

$2,201

Austin · 1 bedroom

$1,650

Oakland is $551 (33%) higher than Austin

Oakland · 2 bedroom

$2,682

Austin · 2 bedroom

$1,949

Oakland is $733 (38%) higher than Austin

Oakland · 3 bedroom

$3,432

Austin · 3 bedroom

$2,484

Oakland is $948 (38%) higher than Austin

Income & earnings in Oakland vs Austin

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Oakland · Household income

$126,240

Austin · Household income

$97,169

Oakland is $29,071 (30%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Individual earnings

$65,769

Austin · Individual earnings

$55,186

Oakland is $10,583 (19%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Per capita

$63,442

Austin · Per capita

$59,289

Oakland is $4,153 (7%) higher than Austin

Home values in Oakland vs Austin

Average values and property tax.

Oakland · Average home value

$1,057,400

Austin · Average home value

$487,600

Oakland is $569,800 (117%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Annual property tax

$8,061

Austin · Annual property tax

$7,487

Oakland is $574 (8%) higher than Austin

Energy in Oakland vs Austin

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Oakland · Monthly electricity

$167

Austin · Monthly electricity

$167

Oakland and Austin are about the same

Oakland · Monthly gas

$50

Austin · Monthly gas

$32

Oakland is $18 (56%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Annual total

$2,604

Austin · Annual total

$2,388

Oakland is $216 (9%) higher than Austin

Healthcare in Oakland vs Austin

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Oakland · Individual premium

$480

Austin · Individual premium

$480

Oakland and Austin are about the same

Oakland · Family premium

$1,350

Austin · Family premium

$1,350

Oakland and Austin are about the same

Oakland · Uninsured rate

4.1%

Austin · Uninsured rate

12.2%

Austin is 8.1% (198%) higher than Oakland

Taxes in Oakland vs Austin

State income and sales tax.

Oakland · State income tax

13.3%

Austin · State income tax

0.0%

Oakland is 13.3% higher than Austin

Oakland · State sales tax

7.3%

Austin · State sales tax

6.3%

Oakland is 1.0% (16%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Combined sales tax

8.8%

Austin · Combined sales tax

8.2%

Oakland is 0.7% (8%) higher than Austin

Transportation in Oakland vs Austin

Commute time and travel modes.

Oakland · Average commute

31.8 min

Austin · Average commute

25.4 min

Oakland is 6.4 min (25%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Drive alone

53.6%

Austin · Drive alone

59.7%

Austin is 6.1% (11%) higher than Oakland

Oakland · Public transit

9.2%

Austin · Public transit

1.7%

Oakland is 7.5% (441%) higher than Austin

Monthly cost estimates in Oakland vs Austin

All categories combined.

Oakland · Single person

$4,784

Austin · Single person

$3,706

Oakland is $1,078 (29%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Couple

$7,342

Austin · Couple

$5,280

Oakland is $2,062 (39%) higher than Austin

Oakland · Family

$10,299

Austin · Family

$7,957

Oakland is $2,342 (29%) higher than Austin

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Oakland and Austin.

Is Oakland or Austin more expensive?

Oakland is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,784/mo in Oakland, California and $3,706/mo in Austin, Texas, a difference of about 29%.

What is the rent difference between Oakland and Austin?

Average one-bedroom rent in Oakland, California is $2,201/mo versus $1,650/mo in Austin, Texas. Oakland is approximately $551 (33%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Oakland or Austin?

Oakland has the higher average household income. Oakland households earn approximately $126,240 per year; Austin households earn approximately $97,169 per year.

More on Oakland and Austin

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

Oakland profile Austin 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.