An Overview of Cost of Living in West Sacramento, CA
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in West Sacramento? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in West Sacramento stands at 131, making it 31% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in West Sacramento is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, West Sacramento falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs significantly influence the West Sacramento cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 76.7%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.
Is West Sacramento Affordable?
Is West Sacramento affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in West Sacramento, the median home price is 101.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 18% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with West Sacramento boasting a median household income of $73,979, 33.7% higher than the national average.
What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in West Sacramento?
Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in West Sacramento starts at 7.25% and the income tax rates start at 1%.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In West Sacramento, the transportation index stands at 20.8% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In West Sacramento, the healthcare costs are 13.1% higher than the national average.
Where is the Data From?
The cost of living in West Sacramento, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.