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Oakland vs Raleigh

Cost of living comparison for Oakland, California and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Bottom line

Oakland is approximately 25% more expensive than Raleigh. A single person needs about $4,784/mo in Oakland versus $3,827/mo in Raleigh.

Rent in Oakland vs Raleigh

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Oakland · Studio
$1,937
Raleigh · Studio
$1,533
Oakland is $404 (26%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · 1 bedroom
$2,201
Raleigh · 1 bedroom
$1,592
Oakland is $609 (38%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · 2 bedroom
$2,682
Raleigh · 2 bedroom
$1,763
Oakland is $919 (52%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · 3 bedroom
$3,432
Raleigh · 3 bedroom
$2,192
Oakland is $1,240 (57%) higher than Raleigh

Income & earnings in Oakland vs Raleigh

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Oakland · Household income
$126,240
Raleigh · Household income
$101,763
Oakland is $24,477 (24%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Individual earnings
$65,769
Raleigh · Individual earnings
$54,712
Oakland is $11,057 (20%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Per capita
$63,442
Raleigh · Per capita
$52,949
Oakland is $10,493 (20%) higher than Raleigh

Home values in Oakland vs Raleigh

Average values and property tax.

Oakland · Average home value
$1,057,400
Raleigh · Average home value
$422,800
Oakland is $634,600 (150%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Annual property tax
$8,061
Raleigh · Annual property tax
$3,023
Oakland is $5,038 (167%) higher than Raleigh

Energy in Oakland vs Raleigh

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Oakland · Monthly electricity
$167
Raleigh · Monthly electricity
$147
Oakland is $20 (14%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Monthly gas
$50
Raleigh · Monthly gas
$40
Oakland is $10 (25%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Annual total
$2,604
Raleigh · Annual total
$2,244
Oakland is $360 (16%) higher than Raleigh

Healthcare in Oakland vs Raleigh

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Oakland · Individual premium
$480
Raleigh · Individual premium
$480
Oakland and Raleigh are about the same
Oakland · Family premium
$1,350
Raleigh · Family premium
$1,350
Oakland and Raleigh are about the same
Oakland · Uninsured rate
4.1%
Raleigh · Uninsured rate
8.2%
Raleigh is 4.1% (100%) higher than Oakland

Taxes in Oakland vs Raleigh

State income and sales tax.

Oakland · State income tax
13.3%
Raleigh · State income tax
4.5%
Oakland is 8.8% (196%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · State sales tax
7.3%
Raleigh · State sales tax
4.8%
Oakland is 2.5% (53%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Combined sales tax
8.8%
Raleigh · Combined sales tax
7.0%
Oakland is 1.8% (26%) higher than Raleigh

Transportation in Oakland vs Raleigh

Commute time and travel modes.

Oakland · Average commute
31.8 min
Raleigh · Average commute
25.3 min
Oakland is 6.5 min (26%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Drive alone
53.6%
Raleigh · Drive alone
64.4%
Raleigh is 10.8% (20%) higher than Oakland
Oakland · Public transit
9.2%
Raleigh · Public transit
0.7%
Oakland is 8.5% (1214%) higher than Raleigh

Monthly cost estimates in Oakland vs Raleigh

All categories combined.

Oakland · Single person
$4,784
Raleigh · Single person
$3,827
Oakland is $957 (25%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Couple
$7,342
Raleigh · Couple
$5,526
Oakland is $1,816 (33%) higher than Raleigh
Oakland · Family
$10,299
Raleigh · Family
$8,087
Oakland is $2,212 (27%) higher than Raleigh

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Oakland and Raleigh.

Is Oakland or Raleigh more expensive?

Oakland is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,784/mo in Oakland, California and $3,827/mo in Raleigh, North Carolina, a difference of about 25%.

What is the rent difference between Oakland and Raleigh?

Average one-bedroom rent in Oakland, California is $2,201/mo versus $1,592/mo in Raleigh, North Carolina. Oakland is approximately $609 (38%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Oakland or Raleigh?

Oakland has the higher average household income. Oakland households earn approximately $126,240 per year; Raleigh households earn approximately $101,763 per year.

More on Oakland and Raleigh

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

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.