2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Salinas, CA vs Oakland, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Oakland or is it cheaper to live in Salinas?
- Oakland is 28.7% more expensive than Salinas.

Which city has more affordable housing, Oakland or Salinas?
- Oakland housing costs are 46.9% more expensive than Salinas housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Salinas or is Health Care more affordable in Oakland.
- Health related expenses are 18.7% less in Oakland.
 Salinas, CAOakland, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock195.5100
 Food & Groceries104.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock116.8100
 Housing215.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$819,500$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.8100
 Miscellaneous112.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 13 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  More

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Reviews for Oakland    38 Reviews

I move to Oakland 20yrs ago with high hopes, loved the geography of the city, the diversity is outstanding, and the charm of the older homes is wonderful. When I  More

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Over 4 years ago

Fun place to visit. Little rough is some areas- a lot to do  More

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I moved to Oakland because of its racial diversity in the early eighties although I've seen some ups and downs in this visually beautiful city, it has never been as bad  More

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