Average Rent in Sacramento 2026
The average rent in Sacramento, CA is $1,600 for a 1-bedroom, $2,000 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,500 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Sacramento is 17% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $64,000.
Sacramento Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,500
per month
Cost of Living in Sacramento
117
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Sacramento's cost of living index is 117, which is 17% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Sacramento at a Glance
Population
525K
Median Income
$67,151
COL Index
117
Rent Control
Yes
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Sacramento?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Sacramento by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,600/mo rent
$64,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,000/mo rent
$80,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,500/mo rent
$100,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Sacramento
Save $600/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,600
per month
Split 2BR
$1,000
per person/month
Annual Savings
$7,200
per year
Instead of paying $1,600 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,000) with one roommate brings your share to $1,000. That is $7,200 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Sacramento
Sacramento has rent control or rent stabilization
Sacramento passed a Tenant Protection and Relief Act in 2019 capping annual rent increases at 6%. California AB 1482 also applies with a 5% + CPI cap.
Rent Calculators for Sacramento Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Sacramento rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Sacramento
Is Sacramento expensive to rent in?
Sacramento is more affordable than the Bay Area but pricier than many inland cities. A 1-bedroom averages $1,600 per month in 2026. Midtown and East Sacramento are popular and pricier, while Elk Grove and Natomas offer more space for less.
How much income do you need to rent in Sacramento?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $5,333 per month ($64,000 annually) to afford an average $1,600/month 1-bedroom apartment in Sacramento.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Sacramento?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,000/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,000, saving $600 per month or $7,200 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Sacramento?