Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Oakland is 15% more affordable than Brooklyn. A $75,000 salary in Brooklyn is equivalent to $63,462 in Oakland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Brooklyn has a housing index of 325 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Brooklyn costs $780,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,900 in Brooklyn versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Brooklyn scores 108 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Brooklyn (108) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Brooklyn is $65,294 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Oakland.
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