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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Ventura

California
183

Sacramento is 28% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,694/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 24%
$83,753/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 20%
$484,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 61%
$1,752/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 21%
524,802
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $16,654/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Ventura — common questions

Is Sacramento or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Ventura?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Ventura?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $16,654/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Ventura details →

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