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Sacramento vs Oakland: Full Comparison

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

Quick Answer

Oakland is 31% more expensive than Sacramento. Sacramento is 16% safer. Sacramento population: 536,449. Oakland population: 440,838.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingSacramento
SafetySacramento
HousingSacramento

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

Cost of Living: Sacramento vs Oakland

Sacramento is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 170 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 40 index points.

CategorySacramentoOakland
Overall Index130170
Housing$3,382/moIndex: 190$4,806/moIndex: 270
Groceries$435/moIndex: 106$459/moIndex: 112
Transportation$378/moIndex: 108$413/moIndex: 118
Healthcare$336/moIndex: 105$352/moIndex: 110
Utilities$202/moIndex: 92$220/moIndex: 100

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

Safety: Sacramento vs Oakland

Sacramento is 16% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23 per 1,000 residents vs Oakland's 27.3. Sacramento earns a C+ safety grade compared to Oakland's C. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Sacramento

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23/1K
TrendStable
C

Oakland

California

Overall GradeC
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate27.3/1K
TrendImproving
MetricSacramentoOakland
Overall Crime Rate23/1K27.3/1K
Violent Crime Rate414.0483.2
Property Crime Rate1886.22243.2
Murder Rate8.46.1
Assault Rate276.2332.4
Robbery Rate65.8122.9
Burglary Rate279.7242.5
Theft Rate1539.81707.0
Vehicle Theft Rate297.0538.5

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

Victim Odds

In Sacramento, you have a 1 in 43 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 37 in Oakland.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Sacramento. A full comparison requires both cities.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacramento cheaper than Oakland?
Sacramento is 31% more affordable than Oakland, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 170 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $3,382/mo in Sacramento vs $4,806/mo in Oakland.
Is Sacramento safer than Oakland?
Sacramento is 16% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23 per 1,000 residents vs Oakland's 27.3. Sacramento earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Sacramento or Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento is safer (C+ grade). Sacramento is more affordable (index 130 vs 170). Sacramento has a population of 536,449 and Oakland has 440,838. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Sacramento compared to Oakland?
Sacramento has a population of 536,449 and Oakland has 440,838. Sacramento is 22% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Sacramento or Oakland?
Housing is cheaper in Sacramento. Estimated monthly housing costs: Sacramento $3,382/mo vs Oakland $4,806/mo. That's based on a housing index of 190 vs 270 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Sacramento Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C
Oakland 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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