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Oakland vs Fremont: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Fremont is 3% more expensive than Oakland. Fremont is 4% safer. Oakland population: 440,838. Fremont population: 226,442.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingOakland
SafetyFremont
HousingOakland

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Oakland vs Fremont

Oakland is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 170 vs 175 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 5 index points.

CategoryOaklandFremont
Overall Index170175
Housing$4,806/moIndex: 270$5,073/moIndex: 285
Groceries$459/moIndex: 112$459/moIndex: 112
Transportation$413/moIndex: 118$392/moIndex: 112
Healthcare$352/moIndex: 110$352/moIndex: 110
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$211/moIndex: 96

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Oakland vs Fremont

Fremont is 4% safer overall, with a crime rate of 26.3 per 1,000 residents vs Oakland's 27.3. Fremont earns a C+ safety grade compared to Oakland's C. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C

Oakland

California

Overall GradeC
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate27.3/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Fremont

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate26.3/1K
TrendImproving
MetricOaklandFremont
Overall Crime Rate27.3/1K26.3/1K
Violent Crime Rate483.2483.4
Property Crime Rate2243.22148.7
Murder Rate6.18.3
Assault Rate332.4332.8
Robbery Rate122.960.3
Burglary Rate242.5314.1
Theft Rate1707.01560.3
Vehicle Theft Rate538.5532.7

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 38 in Fremont.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oakland cheaper than Fremont?
Oakland is 3% more affordable than Fremont, with a cost of living index of 170 vs 175 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,806/mo in Oakland vs $5,073/mo in Fremont.
Is Oakland safer than Fremont?
Fremont is 4% safer overall, with a crime rate of 26.3 per 1,000 residents vs Oakland's 27.3. Fremont earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Oakland or Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont is safer (C+ grade). Oakland is more affordable (index 170 vs 175). Oakland has a population of 440,838 and Fremont has 226,442. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Oakland compared to Fremont?
Oakland has a population of 440,838 and Fremont has 226,442. Oakland is 95% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Oakland or Fremont?
Housing is cheaper in Oakland. Estimated monthly housing costs: Oakland $4,806/mo vs Fremont $5,073/mo. That's based on a housing index of 270 vs 285 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C
Oakland Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fremont Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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.

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