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 433,823 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $825,000 and average rents near $2,650. Commute times average 33 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 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 433,823 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 27% White, 22% Black, and 17% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
433,823
Density
7,800 per sq mi
Median Age
36.4
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
34.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
27.1%
Black
21.6%
Asian
16.9%
Others
34.4%

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 175.4. Median home values are around $825,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,420. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$825,000
Gross Rent
$2,420
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$770
State Taxes
Low: 1%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
175.4
Grocery
124.7
Housing
264.5
Utilities
120.3
Transportation
142.0
Health Care
123.2
Miscellaneous
109.1

Crime

Is Oakland, CA a safe place to live?

Oakland is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,455 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 17. 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
1,455
Property Crimes Per 100k
5,828
Crime Index
7,283
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 69
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 17

Weather

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

Oakland experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 73°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
56°F
Max
73°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
24.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $89,800 and a low poverty rate of 13.1%. Over 82% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 47% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 33 minutes, and almost 20% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,500
Household Income
$89,800
Family Income
$102,900
Per Capita Income
$46,900
Income Male
$57,800
Income Female
$49,200
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Non English Speakers
34.5%
Rent
$2,420
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
19.7%
Commute Time
33.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
82.1%
Bachelors or More
46.8%

Education

How are the schools in Oakland, CA?

Oakland offers quality education options, with public schools like Oakland Technical High School and Cleveland Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Mills College at Northeastern 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
510-879-2305
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
20.6
Name
Cleveland Elementary School
Street
745 Cleveland St
Phone
510-879-1040
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
20.4

Private Schools

Name
Head-Royce School
Street
4315 Lincoln Ave
Phone
510-531-1300
Students
900

Colleges

Name
Mills College at Northeastern University
City
Oakland
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,180
Name
Laney College
City
Oakland
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
10,000

Healthcare

Oakland residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Highland Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people and 91.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Highland Hospital
Address
1411 E 31st St, Oakland, CA 94602
Phone
(510) 437-4800
Type
General & Trauma Center
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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.2%
Health Care Index
80.4

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 41%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.6%. Oakland offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$825,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate
41.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.6%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Oakland 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
5300 Claremont 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 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 433,823, median home value $825,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,650, commute time 33.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

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