salaryHouston is 17% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Oakland to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,533
$2,511
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$2,352
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$109,576
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$929,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$8,575
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$127
👥 People living there
2,328,253
439,418
Commute to work
27.2 min
29.8 min
College degree
36.6%
48.7%
Own their home
42.1%
42.3%
Below poverty line
19.9%
13.4%
Unemployment
6.9%
6.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Oakland for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $113,700 | +92% in Oakland |
| Registered Nurse | $99,830 | $186,610 | +87% in Oakland |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,370 | $123,250 | +83% in Oakland |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $89,200 | +80% in Oakland |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $132,000 | +77% in Oakland |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $38,860 | +76% in Oakland |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,560 | $219,080 | +63% in Oakland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,500 | $101,860 | +58% in Oakland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 17% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $2,511 in Oakland.
What salary do I need in Oakland to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $70,332 a year gives the same standard of living in Oakland.
Where do people earn more, Houston or Oakland?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $109,576 in Oakland, 36% more in Oakland.