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Los Angeles vs Sacramento: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Los Angeles is 27% more expensive than Sacramento. Sacramento is 28% safer. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 7). Los Angeles population: 3,869,089. Sacramento population: 536,449.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingSacramento
SafetySacramento
WeatherLos Angeles
HousingSacramento

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Sacramento

Sacramento is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 165 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 35 index points.

CategoryLos AngelesSacramento
Overall Index165130
Housing$4,806/moIndex: 270$3,382/moIndex: 190
Groceries$443/moIndex: 108$435/moIndex: 106
Transportation$420/moIndex: 120$378/moIndex: 108
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$336/moIndex: 105
Utilities$209/moIndex: 95$202/moIndex: 92

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Los Angeles vs Sacramento

Sacramento is 28% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23 per 1,000 residents vs Los Angeles's 32. Sacramento earns a C+ safety grade compared to Los Angeles's C-. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C-

Los Angeles

California

Overall GradeC-
Violent CrimeD
Property CrimeC
Crime Rate32/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Sacramento

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23/1K
TrendStable
MetricLos AngelesSacramento
Overall Crime Rate32/1K23/1K
Violent Crime Rate700.0414.0
Property Crime Rate2500.01886.2
Murder Rate10.28.4
Assault Rate490.2276.2
Robbery Rate140.965.8
Burglary Rate327.5279.7
Theft Rate1736.21539.8
Vehicle Theft Rate273.1297.0

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Los Angeles, you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Sacramento.

Climate: Los Angeles vs Sacramento

Los Angeles Climate Overview

Annual High75°F
Annual Low56.7°F
Annual Rain14.7"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months12
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthFebruary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Sacramento Climate Overview

Annual High74.1°F
Annual Low50°F
Annual Rain19.6"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months7
Best MonthSeptember
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortableWarm

Monthly Temperature Comparison

Los AngelesSacramentoHigh/Low °F range
40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricLos AngelesSacramento
Avg Annual High75°F74.1°F
Avg Annual Low56.7°F50°F
Annual Rain14.7"19.6"
Annual SnowNoneNone
Comfortable Months127
Freezing Months00

Sacramento is 9°F warmer in summer than Los Angeles, but Sacramento is 9°F colder in winter than Los Angeles. Los Angeles has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 7).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles cheaper than Sacramento?
Sacramento is 27% more affordable than Los Angeles, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 165 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,806/mo in Los Angeles vs $3,382/mo in Sacramento.
Is Los Angeles safer than Sacramento?
Sacramento is 28% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23 per 1,000 residents vs Los Angeles's 32. Sacramento earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Los Angeles or Sacramento?
Los Angeles is about the same temperature as Sacramento. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 7). Neither city gets significant snow.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento is safer (C+ grade). Sacramento is more affordable (index 130 vs 165). Los Angeles has better year-round weather. Los Angeles has a population of 3,869,089 and Sacramento has 536,449. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Los Angeles compared to Sacramento?
Los Angeles has a population of 3,869,089 and Sacramento has 536,449. Los Angeles is 621% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Los Angeles or Sacramento?
Housing is cheaper in Sacramento. Estimated monthly housing costs: Los Angeles $4,806/mo vs Sacramento $3,382/mo. That's based on a housing index of 270 vs 190 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C-
Los Angeles Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Sacramento Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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