Average Rent in Sacramento 2026
Sacramento Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,500
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Sacramento
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Sacramento renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $110 | $140 | $165 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $16 | $19 | $22 |
| Total monthly | $1,796 | $2,229 | $2,757 |
Utility estimates scale with Sacramento’s cost of living index (117). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
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.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,600/mo | $64,000 | $30.77/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,000/mo | $80,000 | $38.46/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,500/mo | $100,000 | $48.08/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Sacramento at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Sacramento apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Sacramento |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | Studio or roommate |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $1,000 in Sacramento — often the difference between affordable and not.
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. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Sacramento
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,600–$3,200
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,600
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,600
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Sacramento: $3,250–$6,400 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
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.
How Sacramento Compares to Other US Cities
Sacramento sits well above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Sacramento
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
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.
What utilities should you budget for in Sacramento?
Renters in Sacramento typically pay about $110 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $16 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $196 on top of your $1,600 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Sacramento?
Most Sacramento landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,600 for a 1-bedroom at the Sacramento average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($3,200), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Sacramento affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Sacramento is $67,151, which comes out to about $5,596 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,600, that's roughly 29% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Sacramento?