Home › Compare › Phoenix, AZ vs Sacramento, CA

Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

18.0% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
34.0% 34.0% more expensive housing
6.1% 6.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.0% more
Phoenix
106
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 6.1% more
Phoenix
98
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 10.9% more
Phoenix
101
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 13.7% more
Phoenix
95
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10011818.0% more
Housing10614234.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,65028.9% more
Median Home Price$370,000$450,00021.6% more
Groceries981046.1% more
Transportation10111210.9% more
Healthcare9510813.7% more
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax2.50%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax5.60%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Phoenix to Sacramento?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 34.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $370 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Sacramento?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while California averages 0.71%.