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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Orange

California
206

Sacramento is 36% cheaper than Orange.

$1,694/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 33%
$83,753/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 40%
$484,600 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 86%
$1,752/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 37%
524,802
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $33,192/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Orange — common questions

Is Sacramento or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Orange?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Orange?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $33,192/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Orange details →

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