Cost of Living in Berkeley, CA
Population 120,223 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $1.4 million, the typical home in Berkeley costs about 4× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Berkeley
The median home value in Berkeley is $1,351,100 — 343% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,127/month, 62% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $108,558/year is 46% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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%. Overall, Berkeley has a cost of living index of 331 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 231% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley has a cost index of 331 (100 = national average). It is 231% above the national average.
What is average rent in Berkeley, CA?
The median gross rent in Berkeley is $2,127 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley is $1,351,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Berkeley?
The median household income in Berkeley is $108,558 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Berkeley, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berkeley is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Berkeley, CA affordable?
Berkeley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 331 — about 231% higher than the national average.
Berkeley at a Glance
- Population
- 120,223
- Median Income
- $108,558
- Home Value
- $1,351,100
- Median Rent
- $2,127/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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