Cost of Living in Berkeley, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,422 (excluding rent), and $3,844 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,582 (excluding rent), and $7,687 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$22.06 $22.06

$15.04 $15.04

$45.13 $45.13

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.6 $99.6

$59.8 $59.8

$199 $199

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.69 $11.69

$10.17 $10.17

$13.22 $13.22

Cappuccino

$5.71 $5.71

$3.93 $3.93

$7.85 $7.85

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.35 $3.35

$2.05 $2.05

$5.13 $5.13

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.55 $2.55

$1.63 $1.63

$4.07 $4.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.12 $8.12

$5.08 $5.08

$10.15 $10.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.1 $9.1

$7.08 $7.08

$15.17 $15.17

Milk (1 liter)

$1.45 $1.45

$1.03 $1.03

$2.05 $2.05

White Bread (500g)

$5.06 $5.06

$2.25 $2.25

$7.69 $7.69

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.29 $6.29

$2.18 $2.18

$9.9 $9.9

Eggs

$5 $5

$3.04 $3.04

$9.16 $9.16

Local Cheese (1kg)

$20.9 $20.9

$8.69 $8.69

$32.58 $32.58

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.96 $14.96

$6.6 $6.6

$26.44 $26.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$22.81 $22.81

$6.98 $6.98

$32.96 $32.96

Apples (1kg)

$6.08 $6.08

$1.98 $1.98

$8.74 $8.74

Banana (1kg)

$2.66 $2.66

$1.47 $1.47

$6.58 $6.58

Oranges (1kg)

$4.78 $4.78

$1.96 $1.96

$8.63 $8.63

Tomato (1kg)

$7.1 $7.1

$2.98 $2.98

$10.94 $10.94

Potato (1kg)

$3.47 $3.47

$1.42 $1.42

$4.29 $4.29

Onion (1kg)

$3.84 $3.84

$2.14 $2.14

$6.5 $6.5

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.9 $2.9

$1.01 $1.01

$4.04 $4.04

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.79 $2.79

$0.74 $0.74

$3.96 $3.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.11 $12.11

$10.1 $10.1

$15.14 $15.14

Wine (Bottle)

$18.33 $18.33

$10.19 $10.19

$26.48 $26.48

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.37 $2.37

$1.47 $1.47

$3.07 $3.07

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.33 $3.33

$1.27 $1.27

$5.1 $5.1

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.54 $2.54

$2.03 $2.03

$4.07 $4.07

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$85.9 $85.9

$49.65 $49.65

$179 $179

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.46 $3.46

$14.85 $14.85

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.87 $1.87

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.62 $29.62

$64.2 $64.2

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$1.14 $1.14

$1.43 $1.43

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.7K $30.7K

$24.2K $24.2K

$37.2K $37.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.5K $26.5K

$24.7K $24.7K

$26.6K $26.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$224 $224

$101 $101

$405 $405

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$47.78 $47.78

$14.8 $14.8

$78.9 $78.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$67.5 $67.5

$44.58 $44.58

$99.1 $99.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$70.8 $70.8

$15.06 $15.06

$90.4 $90.4

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$7.19 $7.19

Cinema Ticket

$15.6 $15.6

$10.07 $10.07

$20.13 $20.13

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$2,198 $2,198

$1,528 $1,528

$2,546 $2,546

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$32.4K $32.4K

$18.1K $18.1K

$40.2K $40.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$67.5 $67.5

$24.62 $24.62

$96.5 $96.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$45.15 $45.15

$11.78 $11.78

$68.7 $68.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$103 $103

$50.8 $50.8

$137 $137

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$146 $146

$54.1 $54.1

$295 $295

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,209 $2,209

$1,378 $1,378

$3,543 $3,543

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,303 $2,303

$2,028 $2,028

$2,737 $2,737

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,586 $4,586

$3,346 $3,346

$5,905 $5,905

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,936 $3,936

$2,846 $2,846

$4,494 $4,494

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$8,069 $8,069

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$8,061 $8,061

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,486 $6,486

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 24, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Berkeley, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley sits near the top of the scale for city costs, driven by housing demand, campus life, and a rich amenities scene. You’ll feel the pull of premium services, but value appears when you choose well-connected, walkable neighborhoods with access to groceries, parks, and culture without locking into a long, high-rent lease. Compared with San Francisco, Berkeley often feels more approachable yet still cosmopolitan. The Cost of Living in Berkeley, CA is notably higher than many parts of the country, but smart location and lifestyle choices can soften the impact. Tip: plan for housing early and use neighborhood walkability as a guide to cut transit costs.

Daily life centers on a mix of campus rhythms, neighborhood markets, and efficient transit. For housing search, explore a mix of shared apartments, student-friendly options near campus, and quieter blocks a short bike ride away. Food options range from casual cafes to farmers markets that help stretch a budget. Transport is practical: BART, AC Transit, and bike lanes make commuting feasible without a car. Co-working and study spaces abound, from libraries to coffee hubs with reliable wifi. If you're watching the Berkeley, CA living cost, this often tips decisions toward walkable areas and earlier leases to lock in steadier expenses. Tip: map transit routes and cluster errands to save time and money.

Quality of life in Berkeley blends outdoor space, strong education, and a lively cultural scene. To tailor a budget, use a simple framework: separate essential housing, food, and transport from discretionary spending, then adjust monthly as seasons change. In summer, energy use and outdoor activity rise; in fall, campus events shape crowds and noise levels. Neighborhood fit matters: North Berkeley offers calmer streets and parks, UC-adjacent areas buzz with cafes and amenities, and parts farther from the core are more residential but can save on rent. Tip: visit at different times of day to gauge vibe before deciding.