Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Sacramento is 4% cheaper than Allen.

$1,694/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 11%
$83,753/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 54%
$484,600 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 11%
$1,752/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 19%
524,802
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $45,377/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Allen — common questions

Is Sacramento or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Allen?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Allen?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $45,377/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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