Is Sacramento or San Francisco more affordable?
Sacramento has a median rent of $1,650/month, while San Francisco is $2,130/month. Sacramento is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Sacramento, CA vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Sacramento and San Francisco.
4
Sacramento wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Francisco wins
CA
Sacramento
vs
CA
San Francisco
Overview
524,943
Population
865,933
$60,715
Median Income
+107.8%$126,187✓
Cost of Living
$1,650✓
Median Rent / mo
+29.1%$2,130
$500,000✓
Median Home Price
+138.9%$1,194,500
33%
Rent-to-Income %
20%
Taxes
9.30%✓
State Income Tax
13.30%
8.75%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate & Weather
73°F
Avg High Temp
55.62°F
50°F
Avg Low Temp
48.76°F
269 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
N/A
18"
Annual Rainfall
N/A
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 Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a city in California with a population of 865,933.
Read full San Francisco guide →Sacramento vs San Francisco — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Sacramento or San Francisco?
California has a 9.30% state income tax. California has a 13.30% state income tax. Sacramento wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Sacramento and San Francisco?
Sacramento gets 269 sunny days/year. Avg high in Sacramento: 73°F. Avg high in San Francisco: 55.62°F
Which city is better for families — Sacramento or San Francisco?
Sacramento. San Francisco. 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.