Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA
Population 524,802 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sacramento is among the largest cities in California by population, with the kind of employment diversity and housing variation that comes with a major regional hub. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sacramento
The median home value in Sacramento is $484,600 — 59% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,694/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,753/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Sacramento has a cost of living index of 147 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento has a cost index of 147 (100 = national average). It is 47% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sacramento, CA?
The median gross rent in Sacramento is $1,694 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sacramento?
The median home value in Sacramento is $484,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sacramento?
The median household income in Sacramento is $83,753 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sacramento, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sacramento is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Sacramento, CA affordable?
Sacramento is above average in cost of living, with an index of 147 — about 47% higher than the national average.
Sacramento at a Glance
- Population
- 524,802
- Median Income
- $83,753
- Home Value
- $484,600
- Median Rent
- $1,694/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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