Sacramento is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,152
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,950
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$94,176
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$506,300
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
106.7
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,842
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$127
$104
👥 People living there
528,706
830,235
Commute to work
25.3 min
30.4 min
College degree
37.1%
60.3%
Own their home
51.7%
38.2%
Below poverty line
13.9%
11.2%
Unemployment
6.6%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Sacramento for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Sacramento | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $78,630 | $123,250 | +57% in San Francisco |
| Software Developer | $139,640 | $186,640 | +34% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $172,010 | $219,080 | +27% in San Francisco |
| Operations Manager | $118,460 | $149,990 | +27% in San Francisco |
| Electrician | $74,830 | $92,830 | +24% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $94,080 | $113,700 | +21% in San Francisco |
| Accountant | $92,110 | $110,730 | +20% in San Francisco |
| Carpenter | $74,440 | $89,200 | +20% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Sacramento is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,152 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Sacramento?
About $65,030 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Sacramento or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $94,176 in Sacramento and $152,036 in San Francisco, 38% more in San Francisco.
More comparisons
All Sacramento comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →