California / County

Moving to El Cerrito, CA

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

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare El Cerrito before you move.

Moving Help for Your El Cerrito, CA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of El Cerrito move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to El Cerrito, CA

Considering a move to El Cerrito, CA? This welcoming community of 25,962 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,025,000 and average rents near $2,430. Commute times average 34 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (71% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore El Cerrito's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - El Cerrito, CA

El Cerrito has a population of 25,962 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 49% White, 8% Black, and 30% Asian residents, and over 32% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
25,962
Density
6,850 per sq mi
Median Age
42.3
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
31.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
48.7%
Black
7.6%
Asian
29.6%
Others
14.1%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in El Cerrito, CA?

The cost of living in El Cerrito is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 177.6. Median home values are around $1,025,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,430. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,025,000
Gross Rent
$2,430
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$940
State Taxes
Low: 1% (property tax)| High: 13.3% (income tax)
Cost Of Living Index
177.6
Grocery
127.2
Housing
297.4
Utilities
110.5
Transportation
140.1
Health Care
121.8
Miscellaneous
118.0

Crime

Is El Cerrito, CA a safe place to live?

El Cerrito is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 148 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. 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
148
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,110
Crime Index
2,258
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 675
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

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

El Cerrito experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 74°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 27 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 71% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
74°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
71%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $120,300 and a low poverty rate of 6.3%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 68% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 34 minutes, and almost 19% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$61,300
Household Income
$120,300
Family Income
$150,700
Per Capita Income
$63,900
Income Male
$70,500
Income Female
$63,200
Poverty Rate
6.3%
Non English Speakers
31.5%
Rent
$2,430
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
19.3%
Commute Time
34.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.8%
Bachelors or More
68.1%

Education

How are the schools in El Cerrito, CA?

El Cerrito offers quality education options, with public schools like El Cerrito High School and Fairmont Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Contra Costa College and UC Berkeley. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
El Cerrito High School
Street
540 Ashbury Ave
Phone
510-231-1437
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
Fairmont Elementary School
Street
724 Kearney St
Phone
510-231-1442
Students
500
Student Teacher Ratio
22.4

Private Schools

Name
St. John the Baptist School
Street
11156 San Pablo Ave
Phone
510-234-2244
Students
250

Colleges

Name
Contra Costa College
City
San Pablo
State
CA
Distance
3 miles
Students
6,500
Name
UC Berkeley
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Distance
5 miles
Students
45,000

Healthcare

El Cerrito residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Alta Bates Summit Medical Center – Berkeley and Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 95.1% 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
Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center
Address
901 Nevin Ave, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone
(510) 307-1500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
95.1%
Health Care Index
79.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in El Cerrito, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,025,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 63%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. El Cerrito offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,025,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,430
Owner Occupied Rate
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of El Cerrito handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in El Cerrito. 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, El Cerrito, CA 94530
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 El Cerrito, CA

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

Before moving to El Cerrito, review the core fields on this page: population 25,962, median home value $1,025,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,430, commute time 34.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 71%.

Ready to Move to El Cerrito, CA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes