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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

12.6% Sacramento, CA is cheaper overall
17.4% 17.4% cheaper housing
5.5% 5.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 17.4% cheaper
Boston
172
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 5.5% cheaper
Boston
110
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 5.1% cheaper
Boston
118
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 6.1% cheaper
Boston
115
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 10.7% cheaper
Boston
112
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index13511812.6% less
Housing17214217.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,65036.5% less
Median Home Price$700,000$450,00035.7% less
Groceries1101045.5% less
Transportation1181125.1% less
Healthcare1151086.1% less
Utilities11210010.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax9.00% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Boston675,647
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Sacramento is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 17.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Sacramento?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $250,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while California averages 0.71%.