Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Sacramento, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Los Angeles is 42% more expensive than Sacramento.

$1,879/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↓ 10%
$80,366/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$484,600 ↓ 45%
$2,055/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↓ 15%
3,857,897
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $3,387/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Sacramento?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Sacramento?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $3,387/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Sacramento

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta