Oakland, CA vs Sacramento, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Sacramento has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Oakland | Sacramento | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 123 | Sacramento |
| Housing | 266 ($1,342) | 139 ($1,186) | Sacramento |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 130 ($533) | 112 ($459) | Sacramento |
| Utilities | 183 ($479) | 120 ($250) | Sacramento |
| Healthcare | 183 ($346) | 120 ($181) | Sacramento |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland, CA or Sacramento, CA cheaper to live in?
Sacramento, CA is cheaper overall by about 67 index points (Oakland, CA: 190, Sacramento, CA: 123; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Oakland, CA vs Sacramento, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Oakland, CA and $43,050/year in Sacramento, CA to cover basic living costs.