Cost of Living in Alameda, CA
Population 76,876 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Alameda sits 295% above the national median — $1.2 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $132,015 (77% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Alameda is part of the immediate Oakland metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% higher than Oakland's $925,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Alameda
The median home value in Alameda is $1,203,900 — 295% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,394/month, 82% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $132,015/year is 77% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 66.5°F and lows of 49.7°F. Overall, Alameda has a cost of living index of 310 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 210% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 60 | 63 | 66 | 68 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 74 | 72 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 42 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 52 | 54 | 56 | 57 | 56 | 51 | 46 | 42 |
| Precip" | 3.42 | 3.51 | 2.71 | 1.35 | 0.63 | 0.18 | 0.00 | 0.04 | 0.10 | 0.88 | 2.02 | 3.84 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alameda, CA?
Alameda has a cost index of 310 (100 = national average). It is 210% above the national average.
What is average rent in Alameda, CA?
The median gross rent in Alameda is $2,394 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Alameda?
The median home value in Alameda is $1,203,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Alameda?
The median household income in Alameda is $132,015 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Alameda, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alameda is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Alameda, CA affordable?
Alameda is above average in cost of living, with an index of 310 — about 210% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Alameda?
Alameda has average high temperatures of 66.5°F and average lows of 49.7°F. Annual precipitation is 18.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Alameda at a Glance
- Population
- 76,876
- Median Income
- $132,015
- Home Value
- $1,203,900
- Median Rent
- $2,394/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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