Central, LA vs Oakland, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 7). Central leads in cost of living index (107 vs 155). Central leads in average commute (30.8 min vs 32.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Central, LA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,781 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $82,714 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 30.8 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 7 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 7.1 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+11.1 | D+53.6 |
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Score
Central, LA
Small Louisiana city with local appeal
Population
29,781
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
7
Median Income
$82,714
Southeast
View Central, LA →
D-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →