Median rent is 26% lower in Sacramento ($1,694/mo vs $2,279/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sacramento, where the median home runs $484,600 versus $702,200. Households earn more in Folsom ($139,263 vs $83,753 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (109.9).
City A
Folsom, CA
City B
Sacramento, CA
How much would you need to earn in Sacramento, CA to maintain your standard of living from Folsom, CA?
Equivalent salary in Sacramento, CA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Folsom
California
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 $1,694/mo versus $2,279/mo in Folsom, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Folsom: the median home is $702,200 versus $484,600 in Sacramento — 31% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so Sacramento is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; Sacramento has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Folsom
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Sacramento
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Sacramento (avg AQI 32.0) but not yet for Folsom.
Pick Folsom if you prioritize higher median household income ($139,263/yr).
Pick Sacramento if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,694/mo median).
Is Folsom cheaper than Sacramento?
Folsom is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.9 versus 109.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Folsom.
How much is rent in Folsom vs Sacramento?
Median rent is $2,279/mo in Folsom, CA and $1,694/mo in Sacramento, CA. Sacramento, CA has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Folsom or Sacramento?
Median household income is $139,263 in Folsom, CA and $83,753 in Sacramento, CA. Folsom, CA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Folsom or Sacramento?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. Sacramento, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match my Folsom income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Folsom, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Sacramento, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology