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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

4.8% Sacramento, CA is cheaper overall
9.0% 9.0% 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 9.0% cheaper
Seattle
156
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 3.7% cheaper
Seattle
108
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 5.1% cheaper
Seattle
118
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Seattle
110
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 9.9% more
Seattle
91
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1241184.8% less
Housing1561429.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,65019.5% less
Median Home Price$780,000$450,00042.3% less
Groceries1081043.7% less
Transportation1181125.1% less
Healthcare110108~Same
Utilities911009.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Sacramento, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Seattle to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 9.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Sacramento?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $330,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while California averages 0.71%.