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Cost of Living: San Diego, CA 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.

10.6% Sacramento, CA is cheaper overall
15.5% 15.5% cheaper housing
3.7% 3.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 15.5% cheaper
San Diego
168
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 3.7% cheaper
San Diego
108
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 5.1% cheaper
San Diego
118
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 3.6% cheaper
San Diego
112
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 3.8% cheaper
San Diego
104
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Diego, CA Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index13211810.6% less
Housing16814215.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,300$1,65028.3% less
Median Home Price$820,000$450,00045.1% less
Groceries1081043.7% less
Transportation1181125.1% less
Healthcare1121083.6% less
Utilities1041003.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Diego, CA Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is lower. 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 San Diego lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Diego (132) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Diego4.0%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Diego2.9%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Diego25 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
San Diego51
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
San Diego45
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
San Diego64°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
San Diego1,381,611
Sacramento524,943

Moving from San Diego to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Diego 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Diego or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Sacramento is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 15.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Diego vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,300/month in San Diego and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Diego or Sacramento?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Diego to Sacramento?+
Median household income in San Diego is $89,000 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 Diego vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in San Diego is $820,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $370,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while California averages 0.71%.