Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Boulder is 10% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $67,273 in Boulder.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boulder scores 107 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boulder.
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