Cost of Living in Berkeley, CA
Population: 120,223 • 2026 Data
$108,558
Median Household Income
+40% vs national
$2,127
Median Monthly Rent
+58% vs national
$1,351,100
Median Home Value
+298% vs national
6.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Berkeley
The median home value in Berkeley, CA is $1,351,100. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $2,127, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,340.
Rent-to-income ratio: 23.5%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Berkeley, CA is $108,558. The unemployment rate stands at 6.0%, with a labor force of 66,168 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.