Cost of Living in Sacramento County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sacramento County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sacramento County ranks #2,668 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sacramento County, California
Sacramento's rents slightly above national norm
Sacramento County's 23.0% rent-to-income ratio edges above the national baseline of 22.4%, though just barely. Median household income of $88,724 exceeds the national average of $74,755, giving Sacramento workers some cushion despite slightly-elevated housing costs.
Sacramento near California's affordable middle
At 23.0%, Sacramento's rent burden sits closest to California's state average of 22.4%, making it one of the state's most balanced housing markets. The county ranks well below pricier coastal regions while remaining more accessible than sprawling Riverside.
Capital city outpaces San Joaquin on value
Sacramento's $1,702 median rent undercuts Riverside by $112 monthly but runs $69 higher than neighboring San Joaquin County. Home values in Sacramento ($498,900) nearly match San Joaquin ($494,500), placing both as Central Valley affordability champions.
Housing consumes less than one-quarter in Sacramento
Sacramento renters average $1,702 monthly while homeowners spend $1,869—a tight $167 margin reflecting balanced ownership costs. The median household income of $88,724 means housing expenses claim just 23% of typical earnings, leaving breathing room for other costs.
Sacramento: California's balanced housing bet
Seeking California living without coastal sticker shock? Sacramento delivers near-state-average affordability at 23.0% rent-to-income with median rents $452 below San Diego. As the state capital, the county combines job diversity with manageable housing markets ideal for mid-income movers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sacramento County
Affordability Verdict
Sacramento County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,702/month — about 23.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sacramento County is $1,702/month, while owner costs run $1,869/month. Renting saves approximately $167/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $68,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $80,100/year. With a median household income of $88,724, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Sacramento County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Sacramento County sits 3% less expensive than Yolo County ($1,757/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sacramento County
Rent Burden
23.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,070
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.3%
of gross income
The median home in Sacramento County may be a stretch
Median home value is $498,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,983 vs. your max of $2,070.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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