How Much Does It Cost to Live in Sacramento?

This article provides a clear picture of the various costs associated with living in Sacramento, California. By examining key expenses, individuals can gain insight into the financial commitments typically involved in residing in the state capital. This overview will help in assessing the overall affordability and planning for a comfortable lifestyle in the city.

Key Living Expense Categories

Housing represents the most substantial expense for individuals and families in Sacramento. The average monthly rent across all unit types was approximately $1,916 as of March 2025. For apartments, the median rent for a one-bedroom unit was around $1,349, while a two-bedroom apartment typically rented for about $1,704.

The median home price in Sacramento was around $718,604 in March 2025. Housing costs in Sacramento are notably higher than the national average, by about 39%. However, Sacramento’s housing expenses are generally lower than the California state average, by approximately 28%.

Utility costs in Sacramento also surpass national averages, being around 70% to 74% pricier. A typical household can expect to pay approximately $451 per month for combined electricity and natural gas services as of March 2025. Beyond energy, internet and phone services contribute to monthly overhead, often costing around $117 per month. Additional utility expenses include water, sewer, and trash collection.

Transportation expenses in Sacramento are also elevated compared to the national average, often cited as 44% to 52% higher. For car owners, full coverage auto insurance can average around $175 per month. Gasoline prices in Sacramento have recently averaged between $4.41 and $4.56 per gallon. Public transportation options include the Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) system, with a basic single ride costing $2.50 and a monthly pass available for $100.

Food and grocery costs in Sacramento are also above the national average, typically by about 7%. A single adult might budget approximately $385 per month for groceries. For a household consisting of two working adults and two children, the estimated annual grocery expenditure could be about $13,587. Dining out also adds to food expenses.

Healthcare and Personal Spending

Healthcare costs in Sacramento present a mixed picture when compared to national averages. While some recent data indicates that services such as doctor visits and dentistry are comparable to the U.S. average, other analyses suggest overall healthcare expenses can be between 6% and 13% higher than the national average. A typical doctor’s visit, for instance, might cost around $201. Health insurance premiums vary significantly based on coverage and provider, but a general estimate for health insurance costs can be around $132 per month.

Personal care items and services also factor into a comprehensive budget. These include everyday necessities like toiletries, as well as services such as haircuts or salon treatments. RentCafe data from March 2025 indicates that non-necessary expenses, including grooming services, are about 17% pricier in Sacramento compared to the U.S. average.

Miscellaneous and discretionary spending covers a broad range of expenditures that are highly dependent on individual lifestyle choices. This category includes entertainment, leisure activities, clothing purchases, and various other variable expenses. These costs can fluctuate significantly from month to month based on personal preferences and available income.

Factors Influencing Sacramento’s Costs

Sacramento’s economic landscape significantly shapes its cost of living. The city’s job market is characterized by a diverse range of industries, including state government, healthcare, technology, and agribusiness. The presence of state government operations provides a stable employment base, while growing sectors like healthcare contribute to expanding job opportunities within the region. The median household income in Sacramento was approximately $83,753 in 2023, with an average annual salary around $66,970 as of August 2025.

Population dynamics also play a role in influencing costs within the city. Sacramento’s population has experienced consistent growth, with the city projected to have over 526,000 residents in 2025 and the metro area exceeding 2.2 million. This growth is partly fueled by migration, with many new residents relocating from the more expensive San Francisco Bay Area. The increased demand for goods, services, and particularly housing, resulting from this population influx, can exert upward pressure on prices.

Geographic and infrastructural elements further contribute to Sacramento’s cost structure. The city’s location within California, particularly its proximity to the Bay Area, influences migration patterns as individuals seek more affordable living options while maintaining access to regional employment centers. Developments in housing and infrastructure, such as the ongoing construction of new homes, are critical in accommodating the growing population and can help manage housing costs. However, the cost of developing and maintaining this infrastructure also impacts the overall expense of living in the region.

Comparative Cost Analysis

Overall, the cost of living in Sacramento is consistently higher than the national average, with estimates ranging from 19% to 29% above the U.S. benchmark. Compared to the California state average, Sacramento generally presents a more affordable option. The overall cost of living is typically between 7% and 14% lower than the state average.

Housing costs in Sacramento are approximately 39% higher than the U.S. average but remain about 36% lower than the California average. Utilities are significantly more expensive, about 74% higher than the national average and 33% higher than the California average. Food expenses are about 7% higher than the U.S. average, yet they are 4% lower than the California average.

Transportation costs in Sacramento are notably higher than both benchmarks, sitting around 52% above the U.S. average and 10% higher than the California average. Healthcare costs show some variability; one recent report indicates they are comparable to the U.S. average for specific services, while being about 13% lower than the California average. This illustrates that while Sacramento is more expensive than much of the U.S., it offers a more budget-friendly alternative within California.