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Cost of Living: San Francisco, 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.

20.3% Sacramento, CA is cheaper overall
32.4% 32.4% cheaper housing
9.6% 9.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.4% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 9.6% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 8.5% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
San Francisco
108
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index14811820.3% less
Housing21014232.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,65045.0% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$450,00064.0% less
Groceries1151049.6% less
Transportation12811212.5% less
Healthcare1181088.5% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Sacramento524,943

Moving from San Francisco to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 32.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $1,350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco 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 Francisco to Sacramento?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 Francisco vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $800,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while California averages 0.71%.