Is Sacramento or San Jose more affordable?
Sacramento has a median rent of $1,650/month, while San Jose is $2,500/month. Sacramento is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Sacramento, CA vs San Jose, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Sacramento and San Jose.
3
Sacramento wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Jose wins
CA
Sacramento
vs
CA
San Jose
Overview
524,943
Population
1,013,240
$60,715
Median Income
+93.5%$117,474✓
Cost of Living
$1,650✓
Median Rent / mo
+51.5%$2,500
$500,000✓
Median Home Price
+120.0%$1,100,000
33%
Rent-to-Income %
26%
Taxes
9.30%
State Income Tax
9.30%
8.75%
Local Tax Rate
9.38%
Climate & Weather
73°F
Avg High Temp
70°F
50°F
Avg Low Temp
50°F
269 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
257 days
18"
Annual Rainfall
15"
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 Jose, CA
San Jose is a city in California with a population of 1,013,240.
Read full San Jose guide →Sacramento vs San Jose — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Sacramento or San Jose?
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 Jose?
Sacramento gets 269 sunny days/year. San Jose gets 257 sunny days/year. Avg high in Sacramento: 73°F. Avg high in San Jose: 70°F
Which city is better for families — Sacramento or San Jose?
Sacramento. San Jose. 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.