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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Sacramento is 61% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,694/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 81%
$83,753/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 117%
$484,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 275%
$1,752/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 72%
524,802
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,371/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $16,452/year.

Median household income is $98,109/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Sacramento or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,371/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $98,109/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Sunnyvale details →

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