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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Sacramento, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

10.3% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
24.6% 24.6% more expensive housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.6% more
Atlanta
114
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Atlanta
102
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 2.8% more
Atlanta
109
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 5.9% more
Atlanta
102
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Atlanta
99
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10711810.3% more
Housing11414224.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,650~Same
Median Home Price$380,000$450,00018.4% more
Groceries102104~Same
Transportation1091122.8% more
Healthcare1021085.9% more
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax5.39%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Sacramento to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Atlanta to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Sacramento → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Sacramento →

Compare Other Cities

Atlanta vs Austin → Atlanta vs Denver → Atlanta vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Atlanta is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 24.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Sacramento?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while California averages 0.71%.