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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Ontario

California
152

Sacramento is 13% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,694/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 13%
$83,753/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 1%
$484,600 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 17%
$1,752/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 12%
524,802
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $947/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Ontario — common questions

Is Sacramento or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Ontario?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Ontario?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $947/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 Sacramento or Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Ontario

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa