Moving from San Francisco to Sacramento (2026)
Sacramento has a COL index of 127 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 35% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Sacramento to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 35% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Sacramento |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,186 |
| $50K | $32,732 |
| $60K | $39,278 |
| $75K | $49,098 |
| $80K | $52,371 |
| $100K | $65,464 |
| $120K | $78,557 |
| $150K | $98,196 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Sacramento
| Expense | San Francisco | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $448 | $403 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $160 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $1,441 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Sacramento has a cost of living index of 127 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 35% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Sacramento?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Sacramento could save roughly $1,660/month on core expenses. That's ~$19,920/year.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $49,098/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