When a consumer group compared prices at Safeway stores here and in Washington, DC, Consumer Checkbook found many items cost more in Oakland. Nicole Keshav found that to be true when she moved here from upstate New York. The Bay Area has the highest cost of living in the country as measured by the Consumer Price Index, which includes food, shelter and clothing. New York, Seattle, Philadelphia and Chicago round out the top five. It prices people out.
Experts say the demand for housing exceeds supply as people migrate here for high-paying jobs.
Even if it means cutting corners. A couple with children can't afford to go out very often. Inching up by the day, well past 2 bucks a gallon and heading towards 3. They pay the price. Even though the cost of living is highest here, that doesn't mean wages are.