Cost of living in Sacramento
Sacramento, the capital city of California, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $55 to $115.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $9 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $9, imported beer $6 to $10, cappuccino $3.5 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.22.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.76 and $6.06, with an average price of $4.6.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.72 to $5.99, averaging $4.52.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.28 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $5.93 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.21 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.49 to $3.19 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $3, with a monthly pass priced at $100.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.08 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $1.55 to $1.86 per km and $27.69 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1650 to $2700, averaging $2022.08.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $1726.08.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2850 to $4000, averaging $3472.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2500 to $4000, averaging $2865.62.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $4085 to $8611.13, averaging $4329.83.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3714 to $5381.96, averaging $4077.06.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $220 and $677, averaging $358.81.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $120, with an average cost of $79.35.
Cost of Living Rankings
Sacramento ranks 10th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Sacramento offers a diverse range of living costs, with housing being a significant expense, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can vary widely, with options for both budget-friendly and upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sacramento presents a balanced cost of living with opportunities for both affordable and luxurious lifestyles.
Potential residents should consider housing and transportation as primary factors in their budgeting plans.
Overall, Sacramento remains an attractive option for those seeking a mix of urban amenities and suburban comfort.