Cost of Living in Oakdale, CA
Population 23,155 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Oakdale is a long average commute — 36 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. At 9.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 12 miles northeast of Modesto, Oakdale falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Modesto's $416,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oakdale
The median home value in Oakdale is $432,800 — 42% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,471/month, 12% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,478/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.5%, 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, Oakdale has a cost of living index of 130 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% 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 Oakdale, CA?
Oakdale has a cost index of 130 (100 = national average). It is 30% above the national average.
What is average rent in Oakdale, CA?
The median gross rent in Oakdale is $1,471 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oakdale?
The median home value in Oakdale is $432,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oakdale?
The median household income in Oakdale is $86,478 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oakdale, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oakdale is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Oakdale, CA affordable?
Oakdale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 130 — about 30% higher than the national average.
Oakdale at a Glance
- Population
- 23,155
- Median Income
- $86,478
- Home Value
- $432,800
- Median Rent
- $1,471/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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