Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Berkeley, CA
Thinking about moving to Berkeley, CA? With a vibrant population of 117,145, Berkeley is known for its outstanding educational opportunities, including UC Berkeley, and a highly educated community—nearly 75% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. While the median home price is around $1.2 million and average 2-bedroom rent is $2,900, the city offers a mild climate with 67% sunny days, short average commute times, and convenient public transit. Residents enjoy access to top hospitals, diverse schools, and a lively cultural scene, though property crime rates are higher than national averages.
Demographics - Berkeley, CA
Demographics - Berkeley, CA
Berkeley is home to about 117,000 residents, featuring a diverse community with a median age of 32 and a high proportion of non-English speakers at nearly 30%. The city is well known for its cultural mix, with significant White, Asian, Black, and other ethnic populations, and a population density that reflects its urban, vibrant character.
Population:
117,145
Density:
11,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.0
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
51.7%
Black:
7.7%
Asian:
21.5%
Others:
19.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Berkeley, CA?
Living in Berkeley comes with a high price tag, as reflected by a median home value of $1.2 million and median gross rent of $2,470. The cost of living index is significantly above the national average, mainly due to housing, but utilities and healthcare remain relatively moderate compared to other expenses.
Median House Value:
$1,200,000
Gross Rent:
$2,470
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,860
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,120
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.5
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
319.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
138.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
113.5
Crime
Is Berkeley, CA a safe place to live?
Berkeley experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a 1 in 21 chance of being affected, while violent crime rates are moderate at 372 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents should be aware of safety concerns but can also benefit from active community initiatives and local law enforcement presence.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
372
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,830
Crime Index:
5,202
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 269
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 21
Weather
What is the weather like in Berkeley, CA year-round?
Berkeley enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with average summer highs in the mid-70s and winter lows in the mid-40s. The city receives around 25 inches of rain annually and boasts about 67% sunny days, making it comfortable for outdoor activities most of the year.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Berkeley’s households have a median income of $96,000, with a notable proportion of highly educated residents—nearly 75% hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, and many neighbors make use of public transit, reflecting the city’s progressive, urban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$50,000
Household Income:
$96,000
Family Income:
$136,000
Per Capita Income:
$56,000
Income Male:
$61,000
Income Female:
$50,500
Poverty Rate:
17.1%
Non English Speakers:
29.4%
Rent:
$2,470
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
21.7%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.3%
Bachelors or More:
74.8%
Education
How are the schools in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley is renowned for educational excellence, anchored by the University of California, Berkeley, and supported by high-performing K–12 public and private schools. The city’s educational institutions serve a diverse student body and offer extensive academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Berkeley High School
Street:
1980 Allston Way
Phone:
510-644-6120
Students:
3,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Martin Luther King Middle School
Street:
1781 Rose St
Phone:
510-644-6280
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Private Schools
Name:
The Berkeley School
Street:
1310 University Ave
Phone:
510-665-8800
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
University of California, Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
45,000
Name:
Berkeley City College
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare options, including two major hospitals and a high ratio of physicians at 3.7 per 1,000 people. Nearly 94% of the population is insured, reflecting strong access to quality medical care and emergency services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Berkeley
Address:
2450 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone:
(510) 204-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Address:
747 52nd St, Oakland, CA 94609
Phone:
(510) 428-3000
Type:
Children’s Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
81.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley’s housing market is highly competitive, with a median home price of $1.2 million and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,900. Homeownership is less common, with just over 40% of residents owning their homes, and the market continues to show steady appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$1,200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Berkeley residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Oakland. Services such as licensing, vehicle registration, and driver testing are easily accessible, with additional information available online.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6400 Manila Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.