Is Sacramento or San Diego more affordable?
Sacramento has a median rent of $1,650/month, while San Diego is $2,100/month. Sacramento is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Sacramento, CA vs San Diego, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Sacramento and San Diego.
3
Sacramento wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Diego wins
CA
Sacramento
vs
CA
San Diego
Overview
524,943
Population
1,386,932
$60,715
Median Income
+31.2%$79,685✓
Cost of Living
$1,650✓
Median Rent / mo
+27.3%$2,100
$500,000✓
Median Home Price
+56.0%$780,000
33%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
9.30%
State Income Tax
9.30%
8.75%
Local Tax Rate
7.75%
Climate & Weather
73°F
Avg High Temp
70°F
50°F
Avg Low Temp
55°F
269 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
266 days
18"
Annual Rainfall
12"
Who should choose
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is a city in California with a population of 524,943.
Read full Sacramento guide →Who should choose
San Diego, CA
San Diego is a city in California with a population of 1,386,932.
Read full San Diego guide →Sacramento vs San Diego — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Sacramento or San Diego?
California has a 9.30% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Both have the same state income tax rate.
What is the weather difference between Sacramento and San Diego?
Sacramento gets 269 sunny days/year. San Diego gets 266 sunny days/year. Avg high in Sacramento: 73°F. Avg high in San Diego: 70°F
Which city is better for families — Sacramento or San Diego?
Sacramento. San Diego. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.