Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Sacramento is 16% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $63,158 in Sacramento.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Sacramento scores 104 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sacramento.
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