Cities › California

Cost of Living in Alameda, CA

Population 77,238 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$2,474
Median home value$1,235,700
Median household income$137,697

The median rent in Alameda, CA is $2,474/month, 22% higher than the California median and 75% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $1,235,700, 271% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $137,697 a year, 39% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 21.6%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $98,960/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 9.0×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $6,248/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Alameda vs. California vs. U.S.

AlamedaCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$2,474$2,036$1,413
Median home value$1,235,700$734,700$332,700
Median household income$137,697$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate50.7%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher61.5%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate7.2%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate5.7%6.6%5.2%
Work from home32.7%17.2%15.1%
Median age41.037.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Alameda, CA?

The median gross rent in Alameda, CA is $2,474 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Alameda, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $98,960 a year in gross income.

Is Alameda, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 75% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 9.0 times the median household income.

Other cities in California

Los Angeles, CARent $1,933 · Income $81,939San Diego, CARent $2,313 · Income $108,077San Jose, CARent $2,669 · Income $146,427San Francisco, CARent $2,476 · Income $140,970Fresno, CARent $1,421 · Income $70,991Sacramento, CARent $1,779 · Income $87,321

Cities with a similar cost of living

North Amityville, NYRent $2,467 · Income $136,654Eastmont, WARent $2,443 · Income $138,912Mineola, NYRent $2,415 · Income $137,739Melissa, TXRent $2,532 · Income $138,763Lorton, VARent $2,548 · Income $138,685Long Beach, NYRent $2,515 · Income $140,739

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Wix Alternatives for Small Businesses & Freelancers (2026)Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.