Median rent is 5% lower in Sacramento ($1,694/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sacramento, where the median home runs $484,600 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Sacramento ($83,753 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Sacramento is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.9 against 113.0 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sacramento, CA.
Quick verdict
Sacramento is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 109.9 in Sacramento vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Sacramento, CA
How much would you need to earn in Sacramento, CA to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Sacramento, CA
$72,954
You could earn $2,046 less (3% 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
New York
New York
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,779/mo in New York and $1,694/mo in Sacramento. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $484,600 in Sacramento — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 13.30% in California, so New York is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 7.25% in California; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Sacramento
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Sacramento has cleaner air on average: 32.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Sacramento if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 109.9 vs 113.0).
Pick Sacramento if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 32.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.90%).
Is New York cheaper than Sacramento?
Sacramento is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.9 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Sacramento.
How much is rent in New York vs Sacramento?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,694/mo in Sacramento, CA. Sacramento, CA has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Sacramento?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $83,753 in Sacramento, CA. Sacramento, 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?
Sacramento, CA has better air quality on average: 32.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New York or Sacramento?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and California's is 13.30%. New York, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $97,271 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