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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

22.9% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
54.3% 54.3% more expensive housing
10.6% 10.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 54.3% more
Houston
92
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 10.6% more
Houston
94
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 12.0% more
Houston
100
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 13.7% more
Houston
95
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 5.7% cheaper
Houston
106
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9611822.9% more
Housing9214254.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,65037.5% more
Median Home Price$295,000$450,00052.5% more
Groceries9410410.6% more
Transportation10011212.0% more
Healthcare9510813.7% more
Utilities1061005.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Houston to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 54.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.