Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Sacramento is 11% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,694/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ≈ Same
$83,753/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 17%
$484,600 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 24%
$1,752/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 5%
524,802
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,492/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Sacramento or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $14,492/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and West Palm Beach

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings