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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Oakland

California
195

Sacramento is 32% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,694/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 13%
$83,753/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 16%
$484,600 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 91%
$1,752/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 24%
524,802
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $13,616/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Oakland — common questions

Is Sacramento or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Oakland?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Oakland?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $13,616/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Oakland details →

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