Los Angeles vs Sacramento: cost of living compared

Sacramento is 27% cheaper than Los Angeles overall.

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

Comparing Los Angeles and Sacramento reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living, with Los Angeles being considerably more expensive. This disparity is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly higher in Los Angeles. Other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to Los Angeles's higher cost, though the gap is less pronounced in those areas. Sacramento offers a more budget-friendly option across most spending categories.

Housing

Housing costs present the most significant divergence between these two metros. Both home purchase prices and rental rates for a typical one-bedroom unit are substantially higher in Los Angeles. Sacramento offers noticeably more affordable options for both buying and renting. While property taxes and insurance are factors in both regions, the initial investment for homeownership is much greater in Los Angeles, reflecting its denser, more established housing market.

Taxes and everyday costs

Daily expenses, beyond housing, also show differences. State income tax rates are roughly similar in both metros. However, transportation costs are higher in Los Angeles, and average commute times are slightly longer. Food and healthcare expenses are also somewhat elevated in Los Angeles. Utility costs, on the other hand, are quite comparable between the two cities, indicating that some essential services have similar pricing structures.

Lifestyle trade-offs

Beyond costs, a move between these cities means a shift in lifestyle. Los Angeles offers a vast, sprawling urban environment with a Mediterranean climate, extensive public transit options, and a faster pace. Sacramento, the state capital, provides a more moderate climate, a somewhat slower pace, and a more car-dependent transportation network, though it has some public transit. Los Angeles is known for its extensive entertainment and cultural scene, while Sacramento has a more localized appeal.

Bottom line

For households considering a move, the financial impact of relocating from Los Angeles to Sacramento would be substantial, primarily due to housing. Sacramento offers a considerably more affordable cost of living across most categories, allowing for greater financial flexibility. Conversely, moving from Sacramento to Los Angeles would entail a significant increase in expenses, particularly for housing, requiring a much larger budget to maintain a similar standard of living.

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.

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