Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Sacramento is 57% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,694/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 76%
$83,753/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 107%
$484,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 215%
$1,752/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 74%
524,802
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,291/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $15,492/year.

Median household income is $89,917/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Sacramento or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,291/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $89,917/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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