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 117,145 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,200,000 and average rents near $2,900. Commute times average 27 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 117,145 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 52% White, 8% Black, and 22% Asian residents, and over 29% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Berkeley is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 178.5. Median home values are around $1,200,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,470. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 372 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 21. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 74°F and cold winters dipping to 44°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
44°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
74°F

Spring

Min
47°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $96,000 and a low poverty rate of 17.1%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 75% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 22% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Berkeley High School and Martin Luther King 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
3,200
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

Berkeley residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Berkeley and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.7 per 1,000 people and 93.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,200,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 41%. The market has seen a 3.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.7%. Berkeley offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Berkeley handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Oakland. 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
6400 Manila Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
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 117,145, median home value $1,200,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,900, commute time 27.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

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