Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA is
17.4% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA increase in 2024? Sacramento, CA area prices were up 2.5% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Sacramento, California    Sacramento (/ˌsækrəˈmɛntoʊ/ SAK-rə-MEN-toh; Spanish: [sakɾaˈmento]) is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the seat of Sacramento Cou....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while California's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $16 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Sacramento, CA

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Sacramento, CA by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
+ 30.6%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
+ 4.1%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-1.3%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 16.6%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 3.8%

Cost of Living Comparison with Sacramento, CA

If you move to Sacramento from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToSacramento, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
-69.1%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToSacramento, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
-27.8%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToSacramento, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 2.0%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToSacramento, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 5.0%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToSacramento, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
-35.7%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToSacramento, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
-59.6%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToSacramento, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 10.4%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Sacramento, CA

Sacramento (/ˌsækrəˈmɛntoʊ/ SAK-rə-MEN-toh; Spanish: [sakɾaˈmento]) is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the seat of Sacramento County. Located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in Northern California's Sacramento Valley, Sacramento's estimated 2018 population of 501,334 makes it the sixth-largest city in California and the ninth largest capital in the United States. Sacramento is the seat of the California Assembly, the Governor of California, and Supreme Court of California, making it the state's political center and a hub for lobbying and th...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA

What stores are known for lower grocery prices?

Stores like Sam’s Club are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

I love to go to sports events, what does Sacramento, California have to offer?

I love basketball. In Sacramento, California I go to a lot of Sacramento Kings games. The tickets are expensive and add to my entertainment expenses, increasing my cost of living, but it is worth it! It is so much fun to see my favorite team in person. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Sacramento, CA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Sacramento, California to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

I need to understand how to budget for energy, is the cost electricity going up or down in Sacramento, California?

The cost of electricity in California has gone up by 2.63% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

What are rents like in Sacramento,CA?

I am single and live in Sacramento,CA, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $807 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Sacramento,CA, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Sacramento, California that is not very expensive?

Looks for areas of Sacramento, California where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Sacramento, CA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Is Sacramento, California very congested with traffic?

Driving in Sacramento, California is about average compared to the rest of the country. Depending on the day and time, traffic could be heavy or light. Overall, the time and ease of your driving times, ranked 53 will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

What is the average commute time in Sacramento, California?

In Sacramento, CA, the average commute time is about 26.58 minutes. This can vary depending on the time of day, day of week, and the weather and road conditions. If the weather is bad, commute time can double! You should factor this commuting time into your overall cost of living, since your time has value. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Cost of living in Sacramento, California is important, but what about the weather?

The weather in Sacramento is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Sacramento is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Sacramento, California. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

See how much you can get when it is an hourly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.

See how much you can get when it is a yearly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.


Last Update: 2024-11-21