Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Sacramento is 47% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,694/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 26%
$83,753/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 30%
$484,600 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 179%
$1,752/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 34%
524,802
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $24,805/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Sacramento or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Berkeley?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Berkeley?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $24,805/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Sacramento or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Berkeley details →

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