California / Alameda County

Moving to Oakland, CA

Thinking of making a move to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA

Considering a move to Oakland, CA? This welcoming community of 440,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $825,000 and average rents near $2,550. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (69% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Oakland's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Oakland, CA

Oakland has a population of 440,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 34% White, 23% Black, and 17% Asian residents, and over 47% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
440,000
Density
7,800 per sq mi
Median Age
37.1
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
47.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
34.0%
Black
23.0%
Asian
17.0%
Others
26.0%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Oakland is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 168.4. Median home values are around $825,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$825,000
Gross Rent
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$950
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
168.4
Grocery
125.0
Housing
245.0
Utilities
109.5
Transportation
143.2
Health Care
118.6
Miscellaneous
122.1

Crime

Is Oakland, CA a safe place to live?

Oakland is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,350 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 19. 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
1,350
Property Crimes Per 100k
5,200
Crime Index
6,550
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 74
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 19

Weather

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

Oakland experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 74°F and cold winters dipping to 44°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 69% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
44°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
57°F
Max
74°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
69%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $99,500 and a low poverty rate of 13.5%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 21% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$74,000
Household Income
$99,500
Family Income
$118,000
Per Capita Income
$44,500
Income Male
$62,000
Income Female
$56,000
Poverty Rate
13.5%
Non English Speakers
44.0%
Rent
$2,350
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Public Transport Usage
21.0%
Commute Time
31.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.5%
Bachelors or More
41.0%

Education

How are the schools in Oakland, CA?

Oakland offers quality education options, with public schools like Oakland Technical High School, Skyline High School, and Montera 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, Samuel Merritt University, and Laney College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Oakland Technical High School
Street
4351 Broadway
Phone
510-594-2600
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
18.5
Name
Skyline High School
Street
12250 Skyline Blvd
Phone
510-750-4300
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
19.1
Name
Montera Middle School
Street
5555 Ascot Dr
Phone
510-654-9302
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0

Private Schools

Name
Head-Royce School
Street
4315 Lincoln Ave
Phone
510-343-6000
Students
900
Name
St. Elizabeth High School
Street
1530 34th Ave
Phone
510-530-0715
Students
300

Colleges

Name
University of California, Berkeley
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Distance
6 miles
Students
45,000
Name
Samuel Merritt University
City
Oakland
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,500
Name
Laney College
City
Oakland
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Oakland residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, and Highland Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 93.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Address
350 Hawthorne Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Phone
(510) 204-4444
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center
Address
3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone
(510) 752-1000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Highland Hospital
Address
1411 E 31st St, Oakland, CA 94602
Phone
(510) 437-4800
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
93.5%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Oakland, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $825,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 43%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Oakland offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$825,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,550
Owner Occupied Rate
43.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Oakland 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 First 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 Oakland, CA

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

Before moving to Oakland, review the core fields on this page: population 440,000, median home value $825,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,550, commute time 31.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 69%.

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