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Cost of Living: Austin, TX 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.

14.6% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
20.3% 20.3% more expensive housing
8.3% 8.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.3% more
Austin
118
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 8.3% more
Austin
96
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 14.3% more
Austin
98
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 11.3% more
Austin
97
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10311814.6% more
Housing11814220.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,65013.8% more
Median Home Price$425,000$450,0005.9% more
Groceries961048.3% more
Transportation9811214.3% more
Healthcare9710811.3% more
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Sacramento, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is lower. 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 Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Austin979,882
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Austin to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Sacramento?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Austin to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 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 Austin vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.