Oakland vs Berkeley: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Berkeley is 26% safer. Oakland population: 440,838. Berkeley population: 121,911.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living
Cost of living data is not available for Berkeley. Try the salary calculator for cities with data.
Safety: Oakland vs Berkeley
Berkeley is 26% safer overall, with a crime rate of 20.3 per 1,000 residents vs Oakland's 27.3. Berkeley earns a B- safety grade compared to Oakland's C. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Oakland
California
Berkeley
California
| Metric | Oakland | Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 27.3/1K | 20.3/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 483.2 | 356.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2243.2 | 1675.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.1 | 7.1 |
| Assault Rate | 332.4 | 251.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 122.9 | 77.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 242.5 | 190.3 |
| Theft Rate | 1707.0 | 1433.7 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 538.5 | 202.7 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Oakland, you have a 1 in 37 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 49 in Berkeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland safer than Berkeley?
Should I move to Oakland or Berkeley?
How big is Oakland compared to Berkeley?
Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities