California / Alameda County

Moving to Berkeley, CA

Thinking of making a move to Berkeley, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Berkeley, CA

Considering a move to Berkeley, CA? This welcoming community of 124,321 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,350,000 and average rents near $3,050. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (67% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Berkeley's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Berkeley, CA

Berkeley has a population of 124,321 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 58% White, 8% Black, and 21% Asian residents, and over 24% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
124,321
Density
11,700 per sq mi
Median Age
32.8
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
24.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
58.0%
Black
8.0%
Asian
20.5%
Others
13.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Berkeley, CA?

The cost of living in Berkeley is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 182.4. Median home values are around $1,350,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,350,000
Gross Rent
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,120
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
182.4
Grocery
123.5
Housing
285.0
Utilities
114.8
Transportation
145.2
Health Care
119.6
Miscellaneous
131.0

Crime

Is Berkeley, CA a safe place to live?

Berkeley is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 430 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 31. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
430
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,250
Crime Index
3,680
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 233
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 31

Weather

What is the weather like in Berkeley, CA year-round?

Berkeley experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 73°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 25 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 67% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
57°F
Max
73°F

Spring

Min
49°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $95,000 and a low poverty rate of 15.0%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 72% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 24% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$58,500
Household Income
$95,000
Family Income
$128,000
Per Capita Income
$56,800
Income Male
$62,000
Income Female
$55,000
Poverty Rate
15.0%
Non English Speakers
29.0%
Rent
$2,950
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
23.5%
Commute Time
30.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.0%
Bachelors or More
71.5%

Education

How are the schools in Berkeley, CA?

Berkeley offers quality education options, with public schools like Berkeley High School and Willard Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, Berkeley and Berkeley City College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Berkeley High School
Street
1980 Allston Way
Phone
510-644-6120
Students
3,100
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1
Name
Willard Middle School
Street
2425 Stuart St
Phone
510-644-6360
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
18.5

Private Schools

Name
The Berkeley School
Street
1310 University Ave
Phone
510-883-9840
Students
260
Name
St. Mary School
Street
1460 8th St
Phone
510-526-1296
Students
180

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
1 mile
Students
6,500

Healthcare

Berkeley residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Herrick Campus nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
Address
2450 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone
(510) 204-4444
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Herrick Campus
Address
2001 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone
(510) 204-4444
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
80.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Berkeley, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,350,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 37%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. Berkeley offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$3,050
Owner Occupied Rate
36.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Berkeley handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Berkeley, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Berkeley, review the core fields on this page: population 124,321, median home value $1,350,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $3,050, commute time 30.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

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