Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Plano, TX (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Sacramento and Plano have a similar cost of living.

$1,694/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 6%
$83,753/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 30%
$484,600 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 9%
$1,752/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 4%
524,802
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $24,896/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Plano — common questions

Is Sacramento or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Plano?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Plano?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $24,896/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Plano

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison