Moving from Melbourne to Sacramento (2026)
Sacramento has a COL index of 127 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 15% more for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Sacramento to match your Melbourne lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Melbourne | Equivalent in Sacramento |
|---|---|
| $40K | $46,182 |
| $50K | $57,727 |
| $60K | $69,273 |
| $75K | $86,591 |
| $80K | $92,364 |
| $100K | $115,455 |
| $120K | $138,545 |
| $150K | $173,182 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Melbourne vs Sacramento
| Expense | Melbourne | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,000 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $380 | $403 |
| Transport | $150 | $100 |
| Utilities | $130 | $150 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $678 | $1,441 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento cheaper than Melbourne?
No. Sacramento has a cost of living index of 127 vs 110 for Melbourne (100 = US average). That's about 15% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Melbourne to Sacramento?
On a $75K salary, moving from Melbourne to Sacramento saves roughly $1,831/month on core expenses. That's ~$21,972/year.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match my Melbourne lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Melbourne, you'd need roughly $86,591/year in Sacramento. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only