Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Reno, NV (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Sacramento is 8% more expensive than Reno.

$1,694/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 14%
$83,753/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 6%
$484,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 3%
$1,752/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 15%
524,802
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $5,305/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Reno — common questions

Is Sacramento or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Reno?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Reno?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $5,305/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Reno details →

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