Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Oakland, CA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 51.5% of gross income.
Oakland rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These California cities have lower median rent than Oakland, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Oakland
View full rent data for Oakland, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Oakland, CA?
Median rent in Oakland is $2,691 a month. A typical paramedic in California earns about $62,752 a year, which makes that rent 51.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Oakland?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in California (~$62,752/yr) supports up to $1,569 a month in rent. Oakland's current median rent is $2,691/mo, which is $1,122/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Oakland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a paramedic in California works roughly 89.2 hours a month to cover Oakland's median rent of $2,691.
Where is rent cheaper than Oakland for a paramedic?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include San Ramon ($2,690/mo), Rialto ($2,690/mo), Corona ($2,690/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.