Atlanta vs Sacramento: cost of living compared
Sacramento is 19% more expensive than Atlanta overall. State income tax tops out around 5.49% in GA vs 9.3% in CA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Atlanta and Sacramento involves a noticeable shift in your overall budget. Sacramento is considerably more expensive than Atlanta, primarily driven by its much higher housing costs. While other categories also contribute to Sacramento's elevated expenses, housing stands out as the most significant factor, making the cost of living in the California capital substantially greater than in the Georgia metropolis.
Housing
Housing in Sacramento, whether buying a home or renting a one-bedroom apartment, is significantly more expensive than in Atlanta. The median home price in Sacramento is considerably higher. Beyond the purchase price, property taxes and insurance costs can also differ, and California's housing market typically features a mix of older and newer homes, often with smaller lot sizes compared to Atlanta's more varied and often larger suburban properties.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show a clear trend: Sacramento is more costly across most categories. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably higher in Sacramento. Transportation, however, is an exception, being somewhat more expensive in Atlanta. A major difference in take-home pay will also be due to state income taxes, which are substantially higher in California compared to Georgia, impacting your disposable income significantly.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Atlanta offers a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, while Sacramento experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Atlanta's transportation often relies on a mix of personal vehicles and a growing public transit system, while Sacramento also has public transit but is generally more car-dependent. Atlanta is a sprawling southern city, typically perceived as having a faster pace, whereas Sacramento, while a state capital, often feels more laid-back.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are substantial. Atlanta generally offers a more affordable cost of living, with housing being the most significant saving. Sacramento presents a higher financial hurdle, particularly with its considerably greater housing expenses and state income tax. Your budget will stretch further in Atlanta, while Sacramento requires a higher income to maintain a comparable lifestyle, despite its slightly lower transportation costs.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 128 |
| Housing index | 105 | 132 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 110 |
| Food index | 98 | 108 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 125 |
| Misc index | 98 | 105 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 30 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Sacramento home with the True Cost Calculator.