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Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

15.7% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
31.5% 31.5% more expensive housing
7.2% 7.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.5% more
Dallas
108
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 7.2% more
Dallas
97
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 10.9% more
Dallas
101
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 10.2% more
Dallas
98
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 3.8% cheaper
Dallas
104
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10211815.7% more
Housing10814231.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,65017.9% more
Median Home Price$340,000$450,00032.4% more
Groceries971047.2% more
Transportation10111210.9% more
Healthcare9810810.2% more
Utilities1041003.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Dallas to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 31.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.