The average cost of living in Sacramento, CA is $2,605.14 per month
Living in Sacramento, CA, can save you money because it’s cheaper than many other California cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, in terms of housing and consumer prices. However, it’s still important to balance this with your career prospects, lifestyle preferences, and other personal factors to determine if it’s the right choice for you and your family.
If you’re considering moving to the capital of the U.S. state of California, you’re obviously wondering if you can afford to live here considering the expenses and your allotted budget on a monthly basis; however, there are a few affordable neighborhoods that offer a good quality of life.
If you’re thinking about moving to the City of Trees, keep reading to learn about the cost of living associated with your move.
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including Sacramento Regional Transit District and the city of Sacramento website. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA – 2024
Housing costs in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA, generally has a lower cost of living than major coastal cities in California like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. As of September 2023, the average Sacramento home value is $471,129, a 7.1% decrease from the previous year, while the median rent price in Sacramento, CA, is $2,000, which is $200 less than last year.
Below is the list of average costs for renting and buying properties in Sacramento, CA:
Cost of rent in Sacramento, CA
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Sacramento, CA (Outside of city center) |
$1,734.38 |
$3,200.00 |
Cost of buying a property in Sacramento, CA
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Sacramento, CA |
$471,129 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), Zillow Home Price (Sept 2023) & Zillow Average Rent (Sept 2023)
Utility costs in Sacramento, CA: Internet, electricity and water
Sacramento has hot summers and a dry climate, which may lead to higher electricity and water bills. According to the data from Numbeo.com, a basic utility package for a 915-square-foot apartment in Sacramento, CA. would cost you $370.16 per month.
Utilities |
Cost in Sacramento, CA |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft apartment t) |
$293.06 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$77.10 |
|
Total |
$370.16 |
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Grocery costs in Sacramento, CA
According to Numbeo, consumer prices, including rent, in Sacramento, CA, are 23.9% lower than in San Francisco, and 9.8% lower than in Los Angeles.
|
Grocery items |
Costs |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$4.84 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$4.06 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.28 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$4.30 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$7.95 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
$7.46 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$8.99 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.63 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$1.04 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$1.76 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.81 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$1.51 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.81 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$2.57 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$12.50 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$1.73 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$2.27 |
Public transit in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento’s public transportation, called SacRT, has buses and light rail services, making it possible to navigate the city and its nearby areas without a personal vehicle. There’s also the Sacramento RT Light Rail with three lines: Blue, Gold, and Green. It goes around the city and connects to some suburbs.
|
Type of fare |
Cost in Sacramento, CA |
|
Single ticket |
$2.50 |
|
Daily pass |
$7.00 |
|
Monthly pass |
$100.00 |
Sacramento Regional Transit District (Sept 2023)
Entertainment costs in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA’s entertainment scene caters to a diverse range of interests, ensuring that locals may find entertaining activities and experiences throughout the year.
Locals can enjoy live shows like plays, musicals, and ballet in theaters around the city. There are also museums and art galleries to explore for art and culture. If you like the outdoors, there are plenty of parks for outdoor activities and fun.
|
Entertainment |
Sacramento, CA |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$32.50 |
|
1h taxi ride |
$11.89 |
|
1 movie ticket |
$12.00 |
Sales tax in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California’s minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate is 8.75%. This is the sum of the sales tax rates in the state, county, and city.
City of Sacramento (Sept 2023)
Healthcare costs in Sacramento, CA
In 2020, California made health coverage mandatory for residents, removing the individual mandate penalty. They also introduced a state-funded premium subsidy program to help low-income individuals get health insurance, promoting universal coverage.
According to US News and world report, Sacramento, CA has an overall population health score of 69, with 6.8% of the population lacking health insurance. The population health category assesses access to care, healthy behaviors, health issues, mental health, and resulting health outcomes within communities.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$101.23 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$486.00 |
|
Gym |
$62.17 |
Numbeo (Sept 2023), US News (Sept 2023), CA Health Care Foundation (April 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Sept 2023)
Conclusion
Thinking about Sacramento, CA’s cost of living before you move is a smart plan. It helps you budget your money and will give you time to think about your expectations of what it’s really like to live there.
To prepare for your move, assess the average cost of living using the data provided below and check out the best movers in Sacramento, CA, to assist you.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,734.38 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($70.51 multiplied by 4) |
$282.04 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$293.06 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$77.10 |
|
Transit pass |
$100.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$56.39 |
|
Gym membership |
$62.17 |
|
Total |
$2,605.14 |
