salaryMesa is 12% 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
$1,826
$2,511
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,712
$2,352
💵 Families earn per year
$89,248
$109,576
🔑 Buying a house
$408,000
$929,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,604
$8,575
⚡ Electric bill per month
$168
$127
👥 People living there
511,764
439,418
Commute to work
24.7 min
29.8 min
College degree
32.5%
48.7%
Own their home
64.4%
42.3%
Below poverty line
10.3%
13.4%
Unemployment
4.2%
6.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Oakland for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Mesa | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $100,830 | $186,610 | +85% in Oakland |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $113,700 | +84% in Oakland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $101,860 | +72% in Oakland |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,590 | $123,250 | +65% in Oakland |
| Nurse Practitioner | $136,270 | $219,080 | +61% in Oakland |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | $212,500 | +57% in Oakland |
| Police Officer | $85,050 | $132,000 | +55% in Oakland |
| Operations Manager | $98,610 | $149,990 | +52% in Oakland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Mesa is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,826 a month there versus $2,511 in Oakland.
What salary do I need in Oakland to match $60,000 in Mesa?
About $67,141 a year gives the same standard of living in Oakland.
Where do people earn more, Mesa or Oakland?
The typical household earns $89,248 in Mesa and $109,576 in Oakland, 19% more in Oakland.