47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
51
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Oakland wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Oakland wins 0–3 overall (51/100)
💰 Los Angeles is more affordable
💼 Oakland has lower unemployment
🛡️ Oakland has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Oakland — The Verdict
Oakland scores 51.5/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Los Angeles edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Oakland has a notably lower disaster history with 44 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Los Angeles are 7% lower — a difference of $61,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Los Angeles saves you $58/month — that's $696 per year.
💵
Households in Oakland earn $18,145 more per year (24% higher median income).
🛡️
Oakland has experienced 44 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$883,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,849
Median Income
$76,244
$94,389
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 7% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
5.5%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
14 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
10
Oakland has a markedly lower disaster history — 44 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Oakland: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles is more affordable overall. Home prices are $61,200 lower in Los Angeles. Monthly rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles vs $1,849 in Oakland.
Does Los Angeles or Oakland have better weather?
Oakland scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Oakland better for finding a job?
Oakland currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 5.5% in Oakland. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $94,389 in Oakland.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Oakland?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Oakland is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Oakland. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Oakland.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Oakland?
Based on our data, Oakland scores 51.5/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Oakland is more affordable, while Oakland has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Oakland?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.