Elk Grove, CA vs Sacramento, CA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sacramento is 18.9% cheaper than Elk Grove. With a cost index of 129 vs 154, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sacramento to Elk Grove should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month compared to $1,694/month in Sacramento — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sacramento is more affordable at $484,600 median vs $603,400.
Median household income in Elk Grove is $122,229 compared to $83,753 in Sacramento (+45.9%). While Elk Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elk Grove spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, less than the 24.3% in Sacramento.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (61.8°F vs 63.4°F). Sacramento receives more rainfall at 19.2" per year compared to 18.1" in Elk Grove.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)