Antioch, CA: A 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Antioch: The Data Profile (2026)

Antioch represents a specific socioeconomic paradox in the Greater Bay Area housing correction. With a population of 117,097, it functions as a commuter satellite city. The statistical target demographic is the "cost-exiled" middle class: households earning a median income of $91,256 who have been priced out of core metropolitan hubs like San Francisco or Oakland. This income is +22.4% higher than the US median ($74,580), yet it is insufficient to offset the local inflation. The educational attainment rate of 27.2% college graduates is notably lower than the national average of 33.1%, suggesting a workforce skewed toward trade and service sectors rather than high-salary tech hubs.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Antioch is driven almost exclusively by housing and energy inflation. While a median earner can technically afford the city, the disposable income remaining after essential expenditures is significantly constrained compared to the national average.

Disposable Income Analysis:
The "Electricity" metric is the hidden shock factor; at 31.97 cents/kWh, it is nearly double the US average (16.0 cents/kWh). A single earner making the median income takes home approximately $5,600 monthly (after taxes). With a total monthly burn of $4,130, the disposable income margin is roughly $1,470. This is tight for a high-cost state, leaving little room for savings or debt repayment relative to lower-cost states.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary barrier to entry. Despite the "Bay Area Correction" of the early 2020s, Antioch remains +88.5% more expensive than the US average for housing. The Rent-to-Income ratio is high, making renting a long-term trap for many.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Buying is currently the more capital-intensive option. The median home price of $685,000 requires a down payment of $137,000 (20%) to avoid PMI. However, the monthly mortgage payment (with current rates) often exceeds the rental cost of a comparable unit. Renting is the only viable entry point for newcomers lacking significant capital, but the high rent ($2,912/mo for a 2BR) prevents wealth accumulation.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-2024 Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have negatively impacted Antioch residents. The city functions as a "bedroom community," meaning residents commute to higher-wage jobs in Contra Costa County or San Francisco.

• Commute Impact: The average commute time from Antioch is 45–60 minutes to major employment hubs. With RTO mandates solidifying at 3–4 days/week, the cost of commuting ($5.20/gallon gas, plus wear and tear on the $118.6 transportation index) is eroding the salary advantage.
• Local Industry: Local employment is concentrated in retail, healthcare, and logistics. The unemployment rate stands at 5.5%, which is +37.5% higher than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a softer local job market, forcing reliance on external cities for high-paying roles.

Quality of Life Audit

Antioch offers a "Good" aggregate Health Score (79.8/100) but masks underlying chronic health risks. The environmental data is surprisingly strong, but safety and chronic disease rates are concerning.

Safety Analysis:
Safety is the most significant detractor. Violent crime is 567/100k (vs. US 380/100k), and property crime is 2,678/100k (vs. US 2,000/100k). Residents face a 1 in 176 chance of violent victimization, significantly higher than the national average.

Air Quality & Weather:
Despite the safety issues, the Air Quality is superior. The AQI of 48 and PM2.5 of 7.0 µg/m³ beat the US averages. Weather is currently 44.0°F with frost conditions, but the region generally avoids extreme winters. Schools are rated 5/10 on average, requiring careful district selection.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Air Quality: One of the cleanest in the Bay Area (AQI 48).
• Income Relative to Peer Cities: Median income ($91,256) is higher than many similar-sized inland cities.
• Housing Volume: Inventory is higher here than in coastal cities, offering a (difficult) entry point.

Cons:

• Violent Crime: Rates are 49% higher than the national average.
• Electricity Costs: At 31.97 cents/kWh, utility bills are punishing.
• Commute: RTO mandates make the 45+ minute commute financially draining.

Recommendation:
Proceed with Caution. Antioch is a data-driven compromise. It is recommended only for those who require proximity to the Bay Area job market but cannot afford Walnut Creek or Concord. The move is viable only if you can secure a home purchase to lock in costs, as renting long-term offers poor value. If safety is a primary metric, Antioch is statistically not recommended.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Antioch?
To live comfortably (saving 20% of income and covering the average family burn rate of $8,060), a household needs a gross annual income of approximately $145,000.

2. How does Antioch compare to the US average value?
You pay a premium of +88.5% on housing and +18% on transportation for a lower-than-average safety rating. The value proposition is poor unless your income is subsidized by a Bay Area salary.

3. Is the crime rate actually dangerous?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 567/100k, you are statistically 1.5x more likely to be a victim of a violent crime here than the average American city.

4. When is the best time to move?
The market is softest in the winter months (November–January), when frost is common (44°F). Inventory moves slower, and sellers are more negotiable on the median price of $685,000.