Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Reno is 13% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $65,039 in Reno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nevada salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Reno has a housing index of 133 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Reno costs $450,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Reno versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Reno scores 102 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Reno (96) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Reno is $61,648 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Reno.
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