Is New York, NY cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, New York, NY is 43.6% more expensive than Sacramento, CA. This translates to spending an extra $3269 per month.

What salary do I need in New York, NY to live like I do in Sacramento, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $189,230.769 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sacramento, CA and New York, NY?

Housing in New York, NY is 108.7% more expensive than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,590/month in New York, NY compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sacramento, CA to New York, NY?

Living in New York, NY costs approximately $3269 more per month than Sacramento, CA, or $39231 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento, CA vs New York, NY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in New York, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $189.2K in New York, NY

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

Overall Cost

↑ 43.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,269

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$39.2K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$460K

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:

144

(44% above avg)

Median Home:$1.05M

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Sacramento, CA vs New York, NY

Category	Sacramento, CA	New York, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,664/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $3,984more	108.7%
Other	$1,808/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $226more	12.5%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,602/mo	↑ $182more	12.8%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $106more	10.0%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$600/mo	↑ $69.94more	13.2%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$688/mo	↑ $68.15more	11.0%

Housing

↑ 108.7%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

New York, NY

$7,648

Difference

$3,984

Other

↑ 12.5%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

New York, NY

$2,034

Difference

$226

Transportation

↑ 12.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

New York, NY

$1,602

Difference

$182

Groceries

↑ 10.0%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

New York, NY

$1,165

Difference

$106

All Utilities

↑ 13.2%

Sacramento, CA

$530

New York, NY

$600

Difference

$69.94

Healthcare

↑ 11.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

New York, NY

$688

Difference

$68.15

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Sacramento, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$3,120

↑ $1,430

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$3,270

↑ $1,500

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$3,590

↑ $1,410

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$4,500

↑ $1,600

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/mo

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$4,636

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

New York

$460K

Median Value

$1.05M

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.9%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$471K - $3.49M

Homes in New York are 128% more expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento Calculate payment - New York

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$90.26

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Sacramento, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.