Sacramento, California has an overall cost of living index of 109.9, which is 9.9 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,694 per month, while the typical home is valued around $484,600. Households earn a median of $83,753 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 32. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$83,753
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,694
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$484,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
109.9
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,748
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,832
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,255
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,002
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
109.9
Goods
109.0
Rents / Housing
131.5
Services
144.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $146,490 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $154,510 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $82,420 |
| ⚡Electrician | $78,780 |
| 📊Accountant | $90,900 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
524,802
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.7 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
32.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Sacramento?
Sacramento has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 109.9. The US national average is 100, so Sacramento is 9.9 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Sacramento?
The median gross rent in Sacramento is $1,694 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Sacramento?
The median household income in Sacramento is $83,753 per year.
What is the median home value in Sacramento?
The median home value in Sacramento is $484,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Sacramento?
Sacramento has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Sacramento?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology