LifeCost Blog
Sacramento

Sacramento

USA

Updated on August 04, 2025

Overview

Sacramento is the capital city of California, located 120 km northeast of San Francisco. With approximately 500,000 inhabitants, it's a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity, historic architecture, abundant urban murals, and proximity to both the Sierra Nevada mountains and California's Central Valley.

Average cost of living€4,975.00
Quality of Life72/100

Accommodation

Rent room (flat-share)€850.00
1-bed flat (center)€1,650.00
1-bed flat (outside)€1,350.00
3-bed flat (center)€2,800.00
3-bed flat (outside)€2,400.00

Utilities

Basic utilities€180.00
Internet€75.00
Mobile plan€60.00

Transportation

One-way ticket€2.75
Monthly pass€110.00
Taxi start€3.50
Gasoline (1 l)€1.25

Leisure

Cinema ticket€16.00
Fitness club€45.00

Education

Preschool (month)€1,200.00
Intl. primary (year)€2,500.00

Buying House

sqm in city center€4,200.00
sqm outside center€3,500.00

Advantages

  • State capital with numerous government opportunities
  • Lower cost of living than San Francisco and Los Angeles
  • Rich cultural and culinary diversity
  • Excellent location between mountains and coast
  • Mediterranean climate with dry summers
  • Vibrant arts scene with murals throughout the city
  • Proximity to tourist destinations like Tahoe and Napa Valley

Disadvantages

  • × Extremely hot summers (often over 100°F)
  • × Car dependency for transportation
  • × Fewer nightlife entertainment options than larger cities
  • × Homelessness issues in some areas
  • × Heavy traffic during peak hours
  • × Frequent droughts and water restrictions