What Salary Do You Need to Live in Sacramento?

Full article 15 min read
Moving to Sacramento

Sacramento is the capital city of California, located in the northern part of the state. It is the sixth-largest city in California, with over half a million people. Sacramento is known for its diverse cultural scene, including many museums, theaters, and restaurants. The city is also home to the California State Capitol and several other state government buildings. Sacramento is a major center for business and industry and is home to several major corporations. The city’s economy is also supported by agriculture, tourism, and education. Sacramento is a great place to live, work, and raise kids with the Californian sunshine.

Sacramento is a great city, but it’s not cheap. If you’re thinking of moving here, you’ll need to make sure your salary can cover the cost of living. In this blog post, we’ll look at the average salary needed to live in Sacramento and some of the other expenses you can expect. So, if you’re ready to start planning your move to Sacramento, keep reading!

Where Does Your Salary Go Living in Sacramento?

If you’re thinking of relocating to Sacramento, you probably wonder how far your salary will go. The cost of living in Sacramento is relatively high, but it varies depending on your lifestyle and individual needs. For example, housing, transportation, and healthcare costs are above the national average, but utility costs are lower. Food costs are also slightly higher than average.

Overall, the cost of living in Sacramento is about 17% higher than the national average. However, salaries in Sacramento are also higher than average, so you’ll likely have more disposable income than you would in other parts of the country. With that said, it’s important to budget carefully and be aware of all your expenses before making a move to Sacramento. 

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Costs of Real Estate

Sacramento is a great place to live. The real estate market is booming, and plenty of housing options to choose from. There are also many different neighborhoods to explore, each with its unique character. Some of the beautiful neighborhoods include :

  • Downtown: The downtown area is the center of Sacramento’s nightlife and cultural scene.
  • Midtown: Midtown is a lively neighborhood with a diverse population.
  • Land Park: Land Park is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with tree-lined streets.

Sacramento is worth considering if you’re looking for a place to call home. The city has something for everyone, and you’re sure to find a place that suits your needs and preferences. So whether you’re looking for a starter home or a luxurious estate, Sacramento is sure to have what you’re looking for. Best of all, the city is perfectly located for exploring all that Northern California has to offer. It is important to keep in mind that real estate costs depend on several factors, including the specific neighborhood, type of property, and availability.

  • Median 1 Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,099/ month
  • Median 2 Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,579/month
  • Median 3 Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,912/month
  • Median Home Price: $510,193

Cost of Transportation

The cost of transportation in Sacramento is a hot topic as the city continues to grow and traffic becomes more congested. While many factors contribute to the cost of transportation, one of the biggest is gas price. Gas prices in Sacramento are some of the highest in the state, continuing to rise. The average price of gas in Sacramento is $3.20 per gallon. In addition to the high cost of gas, parking can also be expensive in Sacramento.

Sacramento has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and commuter rail. The regional transit system, known as Sacramento Regional Transit (RT), provides service to the greater Sacramento area. SRT currently operates a fleet of over 200 buses and 50 light rail vehicles, providing service to an average of 34,000 riders each day. The system offers a variety of fare options, including monthly passes, day passes, and single-ride tickets. In addition, discounts are available for seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.

  • The basic fare for a single ride: $2.5 (adults aged 18-62)
  • A daily pass: $7 (adults aged 18-62)
  • The basic fare for a single ride: $1.25 (seniors, students, and persons with disabilities)
  • A daily pass: $3.25 (seniors, students, and persons with disabilities)

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Taxes

The tax burden in Sacramento is relatively high, but it varies depending on your income and filing status. The sales tax rate in Sacramento is 7.75%, and the average effective property tax rate is 0.73% for a 100% assessed value. In addition to state and local taxes, Sacramento residents are also subject to various income taxes. The income tax rate is between 1% to 13.3%.

Taxes are the lifeblood of any city, and Sacramento is no different. Taxes fund vital public services like police and fire protection, schools, and infrastructure. They also help attract and retain businesses, which provide jobs and generate economic activity. In short, taxes are essential to the health and well-being of any city.

Cost of Utilities

The cost of utilities in Sacramento is relatively high, but this is expected given the city’s hot, dry climate. There are plenty of utilities in the Sacramento area that can provide you with your services. The cost of utilities will vary depending on the specific services you require, but the average monthly cost for basic utilities is $234.46. This includes electricity, water, trash, and sewer. Of course, if you use more or less than the average amount, your costs will be higher or lower accordingly.

The City of Sacramento provides water service to residents and businesses, and they offer several programs to help save water, including water conservation rebates. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is the largest provider of electric service in the Sacramento area, and they offer a variety of plans and rates to meet your needs. There are also several private providers of utilities in the Sacramento area, so you have plenty of options to choose when it comes to finding the right provider for your needs.

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Healthcare

As with most things in life, the cost of healthcare is a major factor to consider when deciding to move to Sacramento.

The cost of healthcare in Sacramento is relatively high at 4%, but this is expected given the city’s large population and diverse economy. There are several hospitals and clinics in the Sacramento area, and the cost of care will vary depending on the specific facility you use. The best hospitals include UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Roseville Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center.

When it comes to finding affordable healthcare in Sacramento, there are several options to consider. There are several free and low-cost clinics in the area, and many hospitals offer financial assistance programs for those who cannot afford to pay their medical bills. In addition, the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services provides a variety of health and human services to residents of the county.

  • A routine doctor’s visit: $114.81
  • Dentist: $98.63
  • Veterinary: $56.15

Childcare

If you have children, you will need to consider the cost of childcare when deciding to move to Sacramento. The cost of childcare in Sacramento is relatively high, but several options to consider can help make it more affordable. There are several daycare centers and preschools in the Sacramento area, and the cost of care will vary depending on the specific facility you use. Some of the best daycare centers and preschools in Sacramento include Little Learners Academy, KinderCare Learning Center, and Small World Preschool.

In addition to daycare centers and preschools, several nanny agencies in Sacramento can help you find a qualified and affordable nanny to care for your children. Nanny agencies typically charge a placement fee and an hourly rate for the nanny’s services.

  • Child Care Center for Infant: $14,240
  • Child Care Center for Preschoolers: $9,913
  • Family Child Care Home for Infant: $9,594
  • Family Child Care Home for Preschoolers: $8,955

Cost of Food

Sacramento has a large population and a diversified economy, which is expected given the city’s high population and cost of food. There are several grocery stores and supermarkets in the Sacramento area, and the food prices will vary depending on the specific store you use. Some of the best grocery stores in Sacramento include Safeway, Raley’s, and Trader Joe’s.

In addition to grocery stores, several restaurants in Sacramento offer affordable dining options. Some of the best restaurants in Sacramento include In-N-Out Burger, P.F. Chang’s, and The Cheesecake Factory.

If you are on a budget, there are several ways to save money on food in Sacramento. One way to save money is to cook at home instead of eating out. Another way to save money is to buy food in bulk from a wholesale store like Costco or Sam’s Club.

  • A meal at a mid-range restaurant: $62 for 2 People
  • McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal): $9
  • A loaf of bread: $3.89
  • A gallon of milk: $2.26
  • A dozen eggs: $2.11

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Miscellaneous Costs

You will need to consider several miscellaneous costs when deciding to move to Sacramento. Some of the most important miscellaneous costs include entertainment and personal care.

When it comes to entertainment, there are a number of options to consider in Sacramento. There are a number of museums and art galleries in the area, and the cost of admission will vary depending on the specific facility you use.

In addition to museums and art galleries, there are also a number of parks and recreational facilities in Sacramento that offer a variety of entertainment options. You can always see a movie in the theatre or visit one of the many amusement parks in the area like Fairytale Town, Old Sacramento, or Raging Waters. Personal care costs can also be higher, as gym memberships and hair salon visits tend to be pricier in Sacramento than in other parts of the country.

  • A movie ticket: $12
  • Avg. cost of tennis court rent: $6/hour
  • Monthly gym membership: $57.88

Understanding the Job Market

The Sacramento job market is booming, with many new businesses opening up recently. The city’s unemployment rate is low, and there are plenty of job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers. The most in-demand jobs right now are in the healthcare, technology, and hospitality industries. However, there are plenty of jobs available in other industries such as retail and manufacturing. With its strong economy and growing population, Sacramento is an excellent place to find a job. So whether you’re looking for your first job or your next career move, the Sacramento job market has something for you.

Some of the employers who provide employment include:

  • Sutter Health
  • SynGen
  • the State of California
  • California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
  • California State University-Sacramento
  • Lyon Real Estate
  • American Building Supply
  • Crestwood Behavioral Health
  • MyOutDesk
  • McClatchy
  • City of Sacramento

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How Much Should You Earn to Live Comfortably Well In Sacramento?

If you want to live comfortably in Sacramento, you’ll need to earn a salary of at least $64,132 annually. This figure is based on the 50-30-20 rule of thumb, which budgeting experts recommend for individuals who want to live comfortably without breaking the bank. The 50-30-20 rule dictates that 50% of your income should go towards essential expenses, 30% discretionary expenses, and 20% should be saved.

According to the US Department of Labor, a single person living without dependents must earn $19.48 per hour to live comfortably in Sacramento. If only one adult is employed, the required hourly compensation for two adults with one child is $36.89. The cost of living for two parents with two children is $27.82 if they’re both working.

See Also: 11 Largest Cities in California

Conclusion

Sacramento is a great place to live if you’re looking for a reasonable salary. According to the data, you only need to make around $64,132 per year to live comfortably in this city. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on your lifestyle and how much money you want to save each month. But overall, Sacramento seems like a pretty affordable place to call home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Sacramento?

The cost of living in Sacramento is slightly high. The cost of living in Sacramento is 17% higher than the national average.

See Also: Average Cost of State to State Move

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How much should you earn to live comfortably in Sacramento?

If you want to live comfortably in Sacramento, you’ll need to earn a salary of at least $64,132 per year.

What is the cost of living for a single person in Sacramento?

The cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is $1,087 per month without rent.

What is the cost of living for a family of four in Sacramento?

The cost of living for a family of four in Sacramento is $3,839 per month without rent.

What is the minimum wage in Sacramento?

The minimum wage in Sacramento is $15 per hour.

What is the Crime Rate in Sacramento?

The crime rate in Sacramento is 36.14 per 1,000 residents.

What is the Unemployment rate in Sacramento?

The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 5%.

What is the average monthly energy bill in Sacramento?

The average monthly energy bill in Sacramento is $149.72.

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What is the average monthly phone bill in Sacramento?

The average monthly phone bill in Sacramento is $159.60.

Written by


Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.