salaryHouston is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Sacramento to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,533
$2,152
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$1,950
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$94,176
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$506,300
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
106.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$3,842
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$127
👥 People living there
2,328,253
528,706
Commute to work
27.2 min
25.3 min
College degree
36.6%
37.1%
Own their home
42.1%
51.7%
Below poverty line
19.9%
13.9%
Unemployment
6.9%
6.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Sacramento for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $99,830 | $171,460 | +72% in Sacramento |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,500 | $103,390 | +60% in Sacramento |
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $94,080 | +59% in Sacramento |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $35,070 | +59% in Sacramento |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $74,440 | +50% in Sacramento |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $111,460 | +49% in Sacramento |
| Medical Assistant | $42,110 | $61,970 | +47% in Sacramento |
| Civil Engineer | $100,950 | $130,150 | +29% in Sacramento |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $2,152 in Sacramento.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $64,892 a year gives the same standard of living in Sacramento.
Where do people earn more, Houston or Sacramento?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $94,176 in Sacramento, 26% more in Sacramento.