Living in Berkeley, CA
Berkeley is the 250th-largest city in the US, home to about 122,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run well above the national average (115.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 121,911-1.9% since 2020
- Median home value
- $1,413,90013.1 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,133/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $108,092median, per year
- Price level
- 115.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 59° / 74°lows 43° / 53°
- Average commute
- 28 min37% work from home
- State income tax
- 13.3%top rate, graduated
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County: Alameda County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 171 ft
Metro area: San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Cost of living in Berkeley
The median home in Berkeley is worth $1,413,900 and the median household earns $108,092 a year, so a typical home costs about 13.1 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,133 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area at 115.6, with housing at 194.7 and goods at 108.5 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $86,700 here. California taxes wages at a top rate of 13.3%. The average combined state and local sales tax in California is 9.03%.
What would my salary be worth in Berkeley?
Berkeley weather
Average highs run from 59°F in January to 74°F in July, and January nights average 43°F. It gets 26 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. The most comfortable months are March to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Berkeley
People and work
The median resident is 33.2 years old, and 75% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 44% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 28 minutes; 37% of workers work from home and 12% take public transit.
- Median age
- 33.293rd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 75%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 44%of households
- People per sq mile
- 11,68610.4 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 12%14% walk, 4.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 17.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1944median year
Who moves to Berkeley, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Anaheim (Orange County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Diego (San Diego County) and Seattle (King County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for Alameda County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, earthquake, wildfire, coastal flooding.
Home prices
-4.8% in a year
Up 8% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Oakland-Fremont-Berkeley, CA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Berkeley
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data 9 months a year have comfortable weather by our rule.
- Data 12% of workers take public transit, so living without a car is realistic.
- Data A highly educated city: 75% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 13.1 years of median household income.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 16% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data California's top income tax rate is 13.3%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.03% on average with local taxes.
- Data High natural hazard risk in Alameda County (FEMA rates it very high), led by inland flooding, earthquake and wildfire.
Berkeley report card from locals
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Cities near Berkeley
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland, CA | 5 mi | 440,838 | $929,900 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Richmond, CA | 6 mi | 114,861 | $668,200 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Alameda, CA | 7 mi | 76,876 | $1,235,700 | 115.6 | Compare |
| San Francisco, CA | 10 mi | 826,079 | $1,394,500 | 115.6 | Compare |
| San Leandro, CA | 13 mi | 85,353 | $844,200 | 115.6 | Compare |
| Daly City, CA | 15 mi | 101,261 | $1,115,000 | 115.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Berkeley ranks 65th of 66 in our best suburbs of San Francisco ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Berkeley with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Berkeley a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show 9 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Berkeley side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Berkeley?
The Census Bureau estimates Berkeley had 121,911 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 124,292 in April 2020 (-1.9%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Berkeley?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $86,700 in the Berkeley area. The median household here earns $108,092.
When is the best time to visit Berkeley?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 74°F and January 59°F for daytime highs.
What county is Berkeley in?
Berkeley is in Alameda County, California. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Berkeley in?
Berkeley is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Berkeley?
About 171 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 13.3% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Berkeley. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Berkeley, CA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.