Cost of Living in Sacramento County, California

$1,702/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$498,900

Median Home Value

5% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,702/mo

5% above state average

Median Home Value

$498,900

77% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

32.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Sacramento County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Sacramento County$1,702/mo

California Average$1,618/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,702/mo

Median Gross Rent

$498,900

Median Home Value

$1,869/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

32.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Sacramento County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio23.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sacramento County, California?

Sacramento County, California has a median monthly rent of $1,702/mo and a median home value of $498,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 32.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Sacramento County?

The median gross rent in Sacramento County is $1,702/mo. This is 5% above state average for California.

Is Sacramento County affordable?

Sacramento County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 32.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Sacramento County's rent compare to the state average?

Sacramento County's median rent of $1,702/mo is 5% above state average of $1,618/mo for California.

What is the median home value in Sacramento County?

The median home value in Sacramento County, California is $498,900. This is 77% above the national median home value of $281,900.