⚖️ City Comparison

Hampton vs Sacramento

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data

Hampton

Virginia
100
Average
$307,000
Median Home
$1,170/mo
Median Rent
$56,600
Median Income

Sacramento

California
128
Expensive
$450,000
Median Home
$1,700/mo
Median Rent
$64,660
Median Income

💡 The Verdict

22% Cheaper

Hampton is 22% cheaper than Sacramento overall. A $75,000 salary in Hampton is equivalent to $96,000 in Sacramento.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values for Hampton (left) vs Sacramento (right). National average = 100.

Housing
85
Housing
163
Groceries
91
Groceries
104
Utilities
103
Utilities
108
Transportation
107
Transportation
111
Healthcare
111
Healthcare
106

Detailed Price Comparison

Estimated item-level prices in Hampton versus Sacramento. Differences shown from Hampton perspective.

ItemHamptonSacramentoDifference
1-Bed Rent$870/mo$1,260/mo$-390.00
2-Bed Rent$1,170/mo$1,700/mo$-530.00
3-Bed Rent$1,660/mo$2,230/mo$-570.00
Bread (loaf)$2.63$3.03$-0.40
Milk (gallon)$3.62$3.90$-0.28
Eggs (dozen)$3.23$3.22+$0.01
Coffee (latte)$5.38$5.98$-0.60
Gas (gallon)$3.25$3.55$-0.30
Restaurant Meal$16.00$20.36$-4.36

💰 Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Hampton has the same purchasing power as $96,000 in Sacramento.

Conversely, $75,000 in Sacramento equals $58,594 in Hampton.

💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison

Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.

$53,887
Hampton (Virginia)
$52,987
Sacramento (California)

The $900 difference is driven by California having a higher state income tax rate. Virginia details → · California details →

⚙️ Customize Your Comparison

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Your Weighted Score
100 vs 128

Reading These Numbers: Hampton (100) vs Sacramento (128)

Hampton at 100 is 0% below the US average, while Sacramento at 128 is 28% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

In Hampton, the composite index of 100 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 85, followed by groceries (91), utilities (103), transportation (107), and healthcare (111). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.

For renters: With median rents of $1,170/mo in Hampton and $1,700/mo in Sacramento, the annual rent difference is approximately $6,360.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $31,800.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $143,000.0 difference in median home prices between Hampton and Sacramento translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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Making Your Decision: Hampton vs Sacramento

Choosing between Hampton and Sacramento involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.

Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Hampton and Sacramento can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.