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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Richmond

California
161

Sacramento is 18% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,694/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 12%
$83,753/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 8%
$484,600 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 34%
$1,752/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 15%
524,802
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $6,285/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Richmond — common questions

Is Sacramento or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Richmond?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Richmond?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $6,285/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Richmond details →

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