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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Sacramento is 33% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,694/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 47%
$83,753/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 43%
$484,600 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 49%
$1,752/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 51%
524,802
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $36,173/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Sacramento or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $36,173/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Santa Clarita details →

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