Moving to Sacramento? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Sacramento’s growth began in 1848 when gold was discovered in the region. Also known as “The City of Trees” due to an abundance of oak trees, Sacramento bears a close bond to nature, with the coast being easily accessible for a weekend away.

If you are considering moving to Sacramento, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in California’s capital city.

Quick Sacramento Facts:

Population: 528,001 (2022). The Sacramento metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of around 2.39 million.
Official Language: English (de facto) with many other languages being spoken, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, Chinese, Tagalog, Russian and German
Median Income: $39,374 USD (2022)
Almonds: Blue Diamond is the largest almond processing plant in the world. During the almond season, it processes 12 million pounds of almonds a day (5.4 million kgs).
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of 2024, £1 = $1.30, €1 = $1.09, $1 CAD = $0.73, $1 AUD = $0.67

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Sacramento

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest cities in the US and around the world and shipping it to Sacramento:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	$2,300 - $2,800	$3,600 - $4,100
Berlin	$4,200 - $4,700	$6,500 - $7,000
Chongqing	$2,300 - $2,800	$3,600 - $4,100
Chicago	$1,600 - $1,900	$2,600 - $2,900
Delhi	$2,500 - $3,000	$3,900 - $4,400
Dubai	$3,600 - $4,100	$5,500 - $6,000
Houston	$1,700 - $2,000	$2,700 - $3,000
London	$3,600 - $4,100	$5,700 - $6,200
Los Angeles	$500 - $700	$800 - $1,000
Madrid	$3,800 - $4,300	$6,000 - $6,500
New York City	$1,700 - $2,000	$2,700 - $3,000
Paris	$4,000 - $4,500	$6,300 - $6,800
Phoenix	$1,400 - $1,700	$2,300 - $2,600
Rome	$3,900 - $4,400	$6,100 - $6,600
Shanghai	$2,300 - $2,800	$3,700 - $4,200
Sydney	$2,700 - $3,200	$4,100 - $4,600
Toronto	$1,800 - $2,100	$2,900 - $3,200
Vancouver	$1,600 - $1,900	$2,600 - $2,900
Vienna	$4,200 - $4,700	$6,600 - $7,100

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

You could also save money by comparing movers using the quote form below:

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2. Sacramento Housing Costs

Property in Sacramento is far more affordable than in many other cities around the globe.

Monthly Rental Prices in Sacramento:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,800+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,650+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,100+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,500+

Sacramento Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $8,000+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $3,700+

Sacramento Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Sacramento compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 24.8% more expensive
New York 48.3% more expensive
Los Angeles is 29.5% more expensive
Toronto is 5.8% cheaper
Sydney is 8.5% more expensive
Paris is 17.3% cheaper
Dubai is 8% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You will probably have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flatmate: Roomiematch and Roommate Locator.
Different Areas – Different Prices: South Land Park is a great area for young professionals. It has a good selection of houses on decent-sized plots at reasonable prices. Midtown and Downtown are perfect for those who enjoy the nightlife of Sacramento. Both of these areas have been revitalised and offer a variety of accommodation styles and types. Garden of the Gods is considered the perfect area for those wanting to buy their first home. The properties in the area are mainly 3 bedroomed, but many people have built on them over the years. Serrano and Wildhorse are more upmarket, both pride themselves on their outdoor activities. At the top of the range is the Fabulous Forties, full of mansions and architectural wonders. Each with its a different style and front porch, where residents enjoy sitting and watching the world go by.

3. Sacramento Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

In 2012, Sacramento became America’s ‘Farm to Fork’ capital. Shops and restaurants are proud of their homegrown produce and enjoy using it creatively.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $18.00
Takeout Coffee: $5.00
Bottle of Coke: $2.50
1L of Milk: $1.30
Loaf of Bread: $4.40
12 Eggs: $4.20
1kg Chicken: $17.00
1kg Beef: $19.00
1kg Apples: $5.80
1kg White Rice: $5.60

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 10.2% more expensive and groceries are 57.9% cheaper than Sacramento.
New York restaurants are 27% more expensive and groceries are 10.2% more expensive than Sacramento.
Los Angeles restaurants are 19.3% more expensive and groceries are 16.8% cheaper than Sacramento.
Toronto restaurants are 2.7% more expensive and groceries are 31.2% cheaper than Sacramento.
Sydney restaurants are 4.1% more expensive and groceries are 14.9% cheaper than Sacramento.
Paris restaurants are 0.7% cheaper and groceries are 17.3% cheaper than Sacramento.
Dubai restaurants are 2.4% cheaper and groceries are 83.4% cheaper than Sacramento.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Sacramento has various independent grocers as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are excellent farmers’ markets which sell high-quality local produce and shops which sell health foods and organic foods. Popular supermarkets are Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Seafood City, Corti Brothers (gourmet grocer) and Nugget Market.
Find Cheap Eats: With a little bit of effort you can find places which offer excellent food at affordable prices. Have a look at Four Square, Yelp, Trip Advisor and Gayot.

4. Sacramento Alcohol Costs

Sacramento is home to a vibrant night scene. There are bars to suit all tastes in all areas of the city. The clubs range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to music clubs where anyone over the age of 18 can enjoy themselves.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.75
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $8.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.90
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $2.50
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $13.50

How To Drink For Less in Sacramento:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Sacramento has many bars and clubs that offer specials or have Happy Hours. Have a look at the following sites and find the perfect place for you – Yelp, Four Square, Sacramento Downtown, The Happy Hour Finder and Cocktail Happy Hour.

5. Sacramento Transportation Fares

Sacramento’s public transportation system consists of buses and light rail, run by SACRT. There are 50 light rail stations in and around the city and a total of 272 buses which ferry people around Sacramento. If you are planning to travel a long distance, then Amtrak is there for you.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single – $2.75
One-day ticket – $7.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $100

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy an event group pass – 4 people $14
Buy a 14-day pass and get unlimited travel for $60
Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. There are many areas that have dedicated cycle lanes.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Sacramento

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The coldest month in Sacramento is December, when the average temperature is 3°C. Summers are hot and the hottest month is July with an average temperature of 33.5°C. January is the wettest month, with an average of 99mm of rain falling.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $40
Summer Dress: $30
Running Shoes (Trainers): $90
Business Shoes: $110
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $90
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $5.50
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.50
Gym Membership: $60 per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Sacramento

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Sacramento as the traffic jams are nowhere near as bad as in other major cities around the globe. If you’re moving to Sacramento from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Sacramento:

Volkswagen Golf: $25,250+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $1.34
Other Fees (if any): The average cost of state and local taxes, license, title and registration fees is $665 per annum

Source: Expatistan, AAA Study

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Sacramento:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Car Pool World, Zipcar and Sacramento TMA.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Sacramento

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

Sales Tax in Sacramento is 8.5% and is added to most goods and services. Generally, the price you see on an item does not include sales tax.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Sacramento at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Sacramento you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Sacramento

If you do make the move to Sacramento, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

London: $305
New York: $150
Los Angeles: $80
Toronto: $120
Vancouver: $175
Dubai: $892
Sydney: $580
Melbourne: $455
Cape Town: $1,921
Hong Kong: $924

Other Tips on Moving to Sacramento:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Sacramento but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Sacramento Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Sacramento.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in. The range of interests is vast, from jogging to foodies and golfers to IT gurus.
Attend Local Events: Sacramento has a lot to offer everyone who visits or lives there. Have a look at Trip Advisor, Travel US, Sacmag and Vacation Idea.

12. Moving to Sacramento with a Family

Sacramento has a lot to offer families. It has lots of outdoor activities, history, culture and sunshine for most of the year.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Dignity Health and Thrive.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: South Land Park is an area which offers detached houses on good-sized plots at a reasonable price for families. It is also home to Sacramento Zoo. Garden of the Gods is another area which has family homes at good prices. It also has excellent schools and lots of parks. Cresleigh Ranch Village is a sought-after area for families and, it’s not expensive. It has green spaces and restaurants and shops close by. More upmarket areas include Serrano, with its country club atmosphere, lovely houses and great views and Whitney Ranch, Rocklin, with its large and luxurious houses, great schools and family atmosphere.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Sacramento is a fun place for kids to live. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Yelp, Family Days Out and Trekaroo.

13. Moving to Sacramento for Work

People move to Sacramento for various reasons – work, a good lifestyle at a low cost, family and other reasons. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The unemployment rate in Sacramento sits at 5.2% (December 2016), which is the average for California. The main employers in the city are government, healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture and IT companies. Hewlett Packard, Packard Bell and Intel are all in Sacramento, together with a host of start-ups.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Sacramento, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster, Indeed, Snagajob and Career Builder. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Sacramento from Australia

There’s a large group of Australians in Sacramento, they even have their own football team, so, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Sacramento with a city in Australia, then the closest would be halfway between Newcastle and the Gold Coast.
Join Expat Groups: There are a number of expat groups enabling you to meet fellow Aussies. Try Internations and Meetup.

15. Moving to Sacramento from Canada

There’s a large contingent of Canadians living in Sacramento. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you compare the size of the population of Sacramento with a city of the same size in Canada, you’d be looking a city a little larger than Kitchener.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through Internations.

16. Moving to Sacramento from the United Kingdom

There’s a small group of Brits living and working in Sacramento, enjoying the Californian sun. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you look at the population size of Sacramento and compare it with a city of the same size in the UK, you’d be looking at a city slightly smaller than Sheffield.
Expat Groups: If you want to get together with others from the UK who are experiencing the sun and surf, then go to Internations and Meetup.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Sacramento you can start by comparing moving quotes here.

Useful Guides to Other Californian Cities