2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Orinda, CA vs Palo Alto, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Palo Alto older or younger than people in Orinda?
- The Median Age in Palo Alto is 7.2 years younger than in Orinda.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palo Alto or Orinda?
- Palo Alto housing costs are 57.5% more expensive than Orinda housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palo Alto or Orinda?
- The average commute for residents of Palo Alto is 10.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Orinda.

Things to do in Orinda?
Orinda, CA is a picturesque city located in the hills of Contra Costa County. Home to approximately 20,000 residents, Orinda offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding rolling hills. Residents of Orinda enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, as well as restaurants and shops in the charming downtown area. With its quiet atmosphere, friendly citizens and vibrant community, Orinda is an ideal place to live or visit.

Things to do in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto, California is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Home to Stanford University and various tech giants such as Google, Apple, and Facebook, it has long been known as the epicenter for cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking. Residents here enjoy warm weather year round, excellent public schools, a thriving nightlife scene, plus vast amounts of green space perfect for hiking, biking or horseback riding. There's also no shortage of culture with world class museums and galleries showcasing some of the area’s most celebrated artworks. With its abundant resources and booming economy, Palo Alto truly offers something for everyone!

 Orinda, CAPalo Alto, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,624329,725,481
 Median Income$248,984  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,972,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time34.54  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Orinda    3 Reviews

Orinda is an extremely safe, quiet, bucolic place to live. The schools are incredible, parent participation is maximal. It's close to everything and yet has a feeling of  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Weather in Orinda is  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Being ranked the number one public high school system in California says little for this small rural upscale community. With a high percentage of college graduates with  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Orinda

Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Very  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palo Alto


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.