San Jose vs Sacramento: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Jose is 38% more expensive than Sacramento. Sacramento is 11% safer. San Jose has more comfortable months (9 vs 7). San Jose population: 989,814. Sacramento population: 536,449.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: San Jose vs Sacramento
Sacramento is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 180 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 50 index points.
| Category | San Jose | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 180 | 130 |
| Housing | $5,251/moIndex: 295 | $3,382/moIndex: 190 |
| Groceries | $472/moIndex: 115 | $435/moIndex: 106 |
| Transportation | $403/moIndex: 115 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| Healthcare | $358/moIndex: 112 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| Utilities | $216/moIndex: 98 | $202/moIndex: 92 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: San Jose vs Sacramento
Sacramento is 11% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23 per 1,000 residents vs San Jose's 25.9. Sacramento earns a C+ safety grade compared to San Jose's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Jose
California
Sacramento
California
| Metric | San Jose | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 25.9/1K | 23/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 498.7 | 414.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2088.9 | 1886.2 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Assault Rate | 310.2 | 276.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 102.2 | 65.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 233.4 | 279.7 |
| Theft Rate | 1440.1 | 1539.8 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 394.7 | 297.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In San Jose, you have a 1 in 39 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Sacramento.
Climate: San Jose vs Sacramento
San Jose Climate Overview
Sacramento Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Jose | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 70.9°F | 74.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 49.9°F | 50°F |
| Annual Rain | 14.7" | 19.6" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 9 | 7 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Sacramento is 11°F warmer in summer than San Jose, but Sacramento is 3°F colder in winter than San Jose. San Jose has more comfortable weather months (9 vs 7).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
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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