Median rent is 23% lower in Sacramento ($1,779/mo vs $2,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sacramento, where the median home runs $506,300 versus $895,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $87,321 a year). Taken together, Sacramento is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.1 against 109.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Sacramento, CA
How much would you need to earn in Sacramento, CA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Sacramento, CA
$74,691
You could earn $309 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
Sacramento
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Sacramento — median rent of $1,779/mo versus $2,322/mo in Arlington, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $895,000 versus $506,300 in Sacramento — 43% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Sacramento
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,114/yr).
Pick Sacramento if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,779/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Sacramento?
Sacramento is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.1 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Sacramento.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Sacramento?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $1,779/mo in Sacramento, CA. Sacramento, CA has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Sacramento?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $87,321 in Sacramento, CA. Arlington, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Arlington, VA has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Sacramento?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $99,587 in Sacramento, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
