Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Sacramento and Chandler have a similar cost of living.

$1,694/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 7%
$83,753/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 24%
$484,600 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$469,800 ↓ 3%
$1,752/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ≈ Same
524,802
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $19,938/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Chandler — common questions

Is Sacramento or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Chandler?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Chandler?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $19,938/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Chandler details →

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