Riverside vs Sacramento: cost of living compared

Sacramento is 8% more expensive than Riverside 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 the overall cost of living, Sacramento is generally more expensive than Riverside. This difference is primarily driven by higher costs for everyday goods and services, and utilities in Sacramento. While housing costs are a major factor in both areas, Sacramento's slightly higher overall index suggests that other expenses contribute more significantly to its elevated cost profile compared to Riverside.

Housing

Both Riverside and Sacramento feature similar median home prices, indicating a comparable entry point for homeownership. However, renting a one-bedroom unit is somewhat more expensive in Riverside. Housing costs in both metros are considerably above the national average. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary by specific property, but the initial purchase price for homes is roughly equivalent.

Taxes and everyday costs

Daily expenses for food are slightly higher in Sacramento, while transportation costs are noticeably lower there. Utilities are a bit more expensive in Sacramento. Healthcare costs are similar in both metros. California's state income tax rate is the same for both locations. These differences mean that while some daily spending categories are cheaper in one, others are more affordable in the other.

Lifestyle trade-offs

Riverside experiences a warm, dry climate, typical of Southern California, with hotter summers. Sacramento, in Northern California, also has hot, dry summers but cooler, foggier winters. Commute times are generally shorter in Sacramento. Both metros offer a mix of urban and suburban environments, with Sacramento having a slightly more pronounced state capital feel and Riverside serving as a gateway to broader Southern California.

Bottom line

For a household budget, moving from Riverside to Sacramento would likely mean a slightly higher overall cost of living, primarily due to increased expenses for everyday items and utilities. While housing purchase prices are similar, renting is a bit more affordable in Sacramento. The trade-offs involve a potentially shorter commute and different regional climates, balancing out the modest cost differences in various categories.

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.

More comparisons

• Sacramento vs Riverside cost of living
• New York vs Sacramento cost of living
• Los Angeles vs Sacramento cost of living
• Chicago vs Sacramento cost of living
• Dallas vs Sacramento cost of living
• Houston vs Sacramento cost of living
• Washington vs Sacramento cost of living