Berkeley, Ca, United States Of America, United States Of America — cost of living
Wikipedia · Berkeley, California

Berkeley, Ca, United States Of America

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Berkeley, Ca, United States Of America

About Berkeley, Ca, United States Of America

Costs exclude rent
Single / month
$1,186
Family of 4 / mo
$3,067
Avg salary (after tax)
$6,284

Berkeley, California, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and lively atmosphere. Located on the east shore of San Francisco Bay, it's home to the famous University of California, Berkeley, which brings a youthful energy to the area. The campus is not only known for its excellent education but also for its beautiful architecture and lush gardens. Berkeley is also famous for its diverse food scene, with countless restaurants offering delicious options from around the world. You can stroll through the streets and find everything from cozy cafes to trendy eateries. The city is also known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, with many parks and green spaces that invite residents and visitors to enjoy nature. Whether you’re interested in culture, education, or just having a good time, Berkeley has something for everyone!

Data aggregated from public cost-of-living sources. See About for methodology.· Wikipedia · Berkeley, California· Updated May 22, 2026

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

Filters items shown below only — for a global search, use the bar in the header.

Fashion

  • Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $135.84
  • Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $51.98
  • Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $75.6
  • Men's Dress ShoesUSD $180.56

Financial

  • Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $5
  • Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $6,284

Food - Beverages

  • CappuccinoUSD $5.93
  • Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $9.45
  • Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $9.45
  • Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $3.01
  • Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $2.28

Food - Dining

  • Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $20.25
  • Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $111.38
  • Fast Food ComboUSD $12.15

Food - Grocery

  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $16.63
  • Beef Round (1 kg)USD $22.28
  • Apples (1 kg)USD $9.39
  • Bananas (1 kg)USD $3.06
  • Oranges (1 kg)USD $8.76
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $7.69
  • Potatoes (1 kg)USD $6.03
  • Onions (1 kg)USD $6.86
  • Lettuce (1 Head)USD $3.04
  • Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $3.52
  • Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $18.9
  • Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $12.15
  • White Rice (1 kg)USD $9.68
  • Dozen EggsUSD $5.4
  • Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $27.23
  • Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $10.51
  • Milk (1 litre)USD $2.09

Housing

  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $6,975
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $5,513
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $1,587
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $710.75
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $3,011
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $2,869

Leisure

  • Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $81.76
  • Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $2,025
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $27
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $20.25
  • Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $33,750

Transportation

  • 1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $33.75
  • Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $31,320
  • One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $3.38
  • Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $4.05
  • Average Monthly Cost of Public Transport PassUSD $121.5
  • Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $3.51
  • Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $41,850

Utilities (Monthly)

  • Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $100.29
  • Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $248.77

Costs reflect a typical lifestyle in each place, excluding rent unless stated. Numbers are a starting point — always cross-check before big decisions.

  • Single / Family of 4 toggle. Family ≈ 2.7× single when no verified figure exists.
  • Estimated values use a ~ prefix and an "Estimated" label.
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How we calculate these numbers

When local data is missing (e.g. salary for a smaller city), we estimate from peer cities in the same country using a median ratio.

Full methodology, assumptions, and formulas live on our About page.