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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

9.3% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
29.1% 29.1% more expensive housing
1.9% 1.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 29.1% more
Philadelphia
110
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Philadelphia
106
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Philadelphia
112
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 2.9% more
Philadelphia
105
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1081189.3% more
Housing11014229.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,65010.0% more
Median Home Price$280,000$450,00060.7% more
Groceries106104~Same
Transportation112112~Same
Healthcare1051082.9% more
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax3.07%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Philadelphia to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Philadelphia is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 29.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Sacramento?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while California averages 0.71%.