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Cost of Living: San Antonio, 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.

31.1% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
73.2% 73.2% more expensive housing
13.0% 13.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 73.2% more
San Antonio
82
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 13.0% more
San Antonio
92
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 19.1% more
San Antonio
94
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 16.1% more
San Antonio
93
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
San Antonio
101
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Antonio, TX Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9011831.1% more
Housing8214273.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,65057.1% more
Median Home Price$255,000$450,00076.5% more
Groceries9210413.0% more
Transportation9411219.1% more
Healthcare9310816.1% more
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Antonio, 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

San Antonio, TX
$58,000
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 San Antonio lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Antonio (90) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Antonio4.2%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Antonio2.6%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Antonio25 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
San Antonio36
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
San Antonio42
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
San Antonio69°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
San Antonio1,451,853
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Antonio 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

San Antonio vs Austin → San Antonio vs Denver → San Antonio vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Antonio or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 73.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Antonio vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in San Antonio and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Sacramento?+
Median household income in San Antonio is $58,000 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 San Antonio vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in San Antonio is $255,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $195,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.