Salary & Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA: $66,500 median salary, cost of living index 118, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$66,500
$32/hr
Cost of Living
118
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
3.8%
rate
Sacramento, CA Overview
Population
524,943
Median Salary
$66,500
Average Salary
$73,000
Avg Commute
27 min
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Rent
$1,700/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
8.75%
Sacramento is located in California with a population of 524,943. The median household salary is $66,500 per year ($32/hour), which is $7,116 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Sacramento Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Sacramento, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$48,984
$4,082.02/month · $1,884.01/biweekly · Effective Rate: 26.3%
Gross Pay
$66,500
Federal Tax
-$6,244
State Tax
-$6,185
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,087
Net Pay
$48,984
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,541.67 | $66,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$520.33 | -$6,244.00 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$515.38 | -$6,184.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$343.58 | -$4,123.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$80.35 | -$964.25 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,082.02 | $48,984.25 |
Salary Comparison: Sacramento vs Other Cities
See how Sacramento's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento, CA | $66,500 | 118 | $56,356 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Peoria, AZ | $66,500 | 103 | $64,563 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $65,200 | 120 | $54,333 |
| Long Beach, CA | $65,000 | 148 | $43,919 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $68,000 | 140 | $48,571 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Sacramento
Sacramento's cost of living index is 118 (national average = 100). Living in Sacramento is 18% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,700
Annual Rent Cost
$20,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $48,984 annual take-home pay in Sacramento has the purchasing power of approximately $41,512 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $78,470 in Sacramento to match a $66,500 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Sacramento
Sacramento's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $66,500.
Salary Tips for Sacramento Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 9.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Sacramento's top industries include Government, Healthcare, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $66,500 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Sacramento, CA?
The median salary in Sacramento, CA is $66,500 per year, or $32 per hour. The average salary is $73,000. This is $7,116 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento's cost of living index is 118 (national average = 100), meaning it is 18% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $450,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,700.
What are the best industries in Sacramento?
The top industries in Sacramento, CA include Government, Healthcare, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $66,500.
How does Sacramento's salary compare to other cities?
Sacramento's median salary of $66,500 is 12.0% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 118), the real purchasing power is approximately $56,356.
What is the minimum wage in Sacramento, CA?
The minimum wage in Sacramento, CA is $16.50 per hour. This equals approximately $34,320 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.