55
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
51
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
New York wins 2–2 overall (55/100)
💰 New York is more affordable
💼 New York has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Oakland — The Verdict
It's a close call — New York (55.2/100) and Oakland (51.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, New York has a clear edge with home prices 17% lower. New York may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in New York are 17% lower — a difference of $151,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in New York saves you $135/month — that's $1,620 per year.
💵
Households in Oakland earn $17,782 more per year (23% higher median income).
📊
New York has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$883,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,849
Median Income
$76,607
$94,389
New York edges out Oakland on housing costs by 17%, a difference of $151,700. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with New York having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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)
9
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Oakland: Common Questions
Is New York or Oakland cheaper to live in?
New York is more affordable overall. Home prices are $151,700 lower in New York. Monthly rent is $1,714 in New York vs $1,849 in Oakland.
Does New York or Oakland have better weather?
Oakland scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Oakland better for finding a job?
New York currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 5.5% in Oakland. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $94,389 in Oakland.
Which city is safer — New York or Oakland?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Oakland. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Oakland.
Should I move from New York to Oakland?
Based on our data, New York scores 55.2/100 vs Oakland's 51.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — New York is more affordable, while Oakland has a better climate.
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📊 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.