Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Sacramento, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Washington is 30% more expensive than Sacramento.

$1,900/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↓ 11%
$106,287/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↓ 21%
$724,600 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$484,600 ↓ 33%
$2,103/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↓ 17%
672,079
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $22,534/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Washington or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Sacramento?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Sacramento?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $22,534/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

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