Living in Berkeley, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Berkeley · Census data 2020–2024
Berkeley has 120,257 residents with a median age of 33.2. The median household income is $108,092 (9% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,413,900, the median rent is $2,133/month.
Berkeley at a glance
- Population
- 120,257
- Median age
- 33.2State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $108,092State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,413,900State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,133/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 44.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 74.9%
- Average commute
- 28 min
Is Berkeley a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 9% higher than the California median; an average commute of 28 minutes; unemployment of 5.6%.
Cons: Home values 92% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 17.3%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Berkeley
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Berkeley the median home value is $1,413,900, 325% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,133 per month, which is 34% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Berkeley median household income
The median household income in Berkeley is $108,092 and the income per person is $69,534. 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Berkeley: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 53,145
- Owner-occupied
- 44.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 55.8%
- Vacant
- 11.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1944
- Average household size
- 2.27
Berkeley demographics
- Population
- 120,257
- Median age
- 33.2
- Under 18
- 12.7%
- 65 and older
- 16.7%
- Households
- 47,135
- Foreign-born
- 21.1%
- Veterans
- 2.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Berkeley ›
Education in Berkeley
74.9% of adults 25 and older in Berkeley have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 42% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Berkeley
- Unemployment rate
- 5.6%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 28 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 37.1%
- Drive alone
- 27.2%
- Public transit
- 12.4%
- Walk to work
- 13.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 94.3%
Berkeley vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley | 120,257 | $108,092 | $1,413,900 | $2,133 |
| Emeryville | 13,081 | $117,092 | $604,800 | $2,936 |
| Albany | 19,414 | $144,107 | $1,202,200 | $2,445 |
| Kensington | 5,179 | $237,130 | $1,539,000 | $3,501 |
| El Cerrito | 25,994 | $127,876 | $1,124,400 | $2,548 |
| Piedmont | 10,945 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| East Richmond Heights | 3,109 | $134,632 | $915,400 | $2,071 |
| Richmond | 115,505 | $95,391 | $668,200 | $1,960 |
| Rollingwood | 3,627 | $99,830 | $600,000 | $1,836 |
More for people moving to Berkeley
Berkeley ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Berkeley: FAQ
What is the median household income in Berkeley, CA?
The median household income in Berkeley is $108,092, 9% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley is $1,413,900, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Berkeley?
The median gross rent in Berkeley is $2,133 per month, about 34% of household income.
Is Berkeley, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 9% higher than the California median; an average commute of 28 minutes; unemployment of 5.6%. Minuses: home values 92% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 17.3%.
What is the median age in Berkeley?
The median age in Berkeley is 33.2 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Berkeley?
The average commute to work in Berkeley is 28 minutes; 37.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Berkeley?
The unemployment rate in Berkeley is 5.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Berkeley?
74.9% of adults in Berkeley have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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