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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

9.2% Sacramento, CA is cheaper overall
12.3% 12.3% 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 12.3% cheaper
Washington
162
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 3.7% cheaper
Washington
108
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 8.2% cheaper
Washington
122
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Washington
110
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Washington
105
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1301189.2% less
Housing16214212.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,65025.0% less
Median Home Price$620,000$450,00027.4% less
Groceries1081043.7% less
Transportation1221128.2% less
Healthcare110108~Same
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax10.75% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Washington689,545
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Washington to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 12.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Sacramento?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while California averages 0.71%.