Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Asheville is 16% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $63,281 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) match Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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