Moving from Boston to Sacramento (2026)
Sacramento has a COL index of 127 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Sacramento to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Sacramento |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,358 |
| $50K | $39,198 |
| $60K | $47,037 |
| $75K | $58,796 |
| $80K | $62,716 |
| $100K | $78,395 |
| $120K | $94,074 |
| $150K | $117,593 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Sacramento
| Expense | Boston | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $418 | $403 |
| Transport | $90 | $100 |
| Utilities | $185 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $1,441 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Sacramento has a cost of living index of 127 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Sacramento?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Sacramento could save roughly $1,045/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,540/year.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $58,796/year in Sacramento. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only