Is Austin, TX cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 12.0% cheaper than Sacramento, CA. This translates to saving $897 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Sacramento, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $139,230.769 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sacramento, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 21.3% cheaper than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sacramento, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Sacramento, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $897 per month, or $10769 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento vs Austin: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

State capital to startup capital? Sacramento's government stability meets Austin's entrepreneurial energy, but Texas tax laws tip the financial scales.

Current salary in Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $897/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$897

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$460K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$558K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Sacramento, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Sacramento, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,664/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $780less	21.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $137less	9.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,059/mo	$959/mo	↓ $99.93less	9.4%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$620/mo	$589/mo	↓ $30.98less	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$541/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.3%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$780

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$137

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.4%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$99.93

less

📦Other

↓ 3.7%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$66.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$30.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.1%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$10.93

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$1,585

↓ $105

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,685

↓ $85.00

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,995

↓ $185

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,525

↓ $375

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,103

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Austin

$460K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 21% more expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Sacramento, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Sacramento, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.