Is Washington, DC cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 29.9% more expensive than Sacramento, CA. This translates to spending an extra $2244 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Sacramento, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $176,923.077 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sacramento, CA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 69.5% more expensive than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sacramento, CA to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $2244 more per month than Sacramento, CA, or $26923 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento, CA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $2.2K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $176.9K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 29.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,244

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$26.9K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

130

(30% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Sacramento, CA vs Washington, DC

Category	Sacramento, CA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,664/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $2,547more	69.5%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $464more	32.7%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$508/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.1%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $19.99more	1.9%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $16.74more	0.9%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$632/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.0%

Housing

↑ 69.5%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$2,547

Transportation

↑ 32.7%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$464

All Utilities

↓ 4.1%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$21.86

less

Groceries

↑ 1.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$19.99

Other

↑ 0.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$16.74

Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$12.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$2,150

↑ $460

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$2,215

↑ $445

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$2,470

↑ $290

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$3,115

↑ $215

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$3,038

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Washington

$460K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 21% more expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $524

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$43.66

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Sacramento, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.