Queens, New York, and Sacramento, California, both offer unique lifestyle opportunities, drawing tourists from all over the world and attracting new residents for different reasons. While Queens provides an urban, culturally diverse atmosphere with access to world-renowned amenities, Sacramento offers a laid-back pace, a temperate climate, and proximity to nature. This comparison will delve into various aspects of these two cities, including crime and safety, weather conditions, cost of living and more, to help those considering a visit or a move.
Crime rates are crucial considerations when comparing Queens, NY, and Sacramento, CA. Both cities have their share of crime, but Queens, as part of the larger New York City, generally has lower crime rates, thanks to its well-funded and robust police department. In contrast, Sacramento has a higher rate of crime overall, but these statistics can vary significantly across different neighborhoods.
Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living, Queens is considerably more expensive than Sacramento. This difference is reflected in the prices of housing, food, utilities, and transportation. However, in return, residents of Queens have access to the opportunities, services, and amenities available in one of the world’s leading cities.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, New York has a progressive income tax system, and living in NYC means additional local taxes. Conversely, California also has a progressive income tax system in place, but Sacramento residents do not pay additional local tax.
Property Tax
Queens residents generally face higher property taxes than those in Sacramento; however, the specific tax amount can depend on property values and borough. Sacramento’s property tax rate is generally lower.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Queens is high, with the total sales tax rate in NYC being 8.875%. Sacramento has a slightly lower rate; the total sales tax rates linger around 8.75%.
Income
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$73,262
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$34,969
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
173.2
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Sacramento, you will have to make $84,159 in Queens to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Queens is on the western portion of Long Island and defined by its urban environment. Sacramento is located in California's Central Valley and offers ease of access to natural features, from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Pacific Coast.
Geographical information
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Land area
109.2 sq. miles
97.2 sq. miles
Population density
20,847 people per sq. mile
5,404 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Queens, NY Sacramento, CA
Education
In terms of education, NYC public schools are considered some of the best in the country, and Queens hosts a number of these, providing excellent educational opportunities. On the other hand, Sacramento also has good schools, and it's known for higher education institutions, including California State University, Sacramento.
Job markets in both Queens and Sacramento are bustling and diverse. The economy in Queens is largely driven by industries including healthcare, retail, and education. Sacramento’s economy, meanwhile, is anchored by state government jobs, healthcare and technology companies.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Queens are likely the city government and the healthcare industry, including NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Sacramento's economy is primarily driven by the State of California, which is the city's largest employer.
In Queens (Queens County), 79.2% voted for Democrats and 20.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
2020
72.3%
61.4%
27.0%
36.1%
0.7%
2.5%
2016
75.4%
58.0%
21.8%
33.8%
2.8%
8.3%
2012
79.2%
58.1%
20.0%
39.1%
0.8%
2.8%
2008
75.4%
58.4%
24.3%
39.4%
0.3%
2.2%
2004
71.8%
49.8%
27.5%
49.6%
0.8%
0.6%
2000
75.2%
49.4%
22.0%
45.4%
2.8%
5.2%
1996
72.9%
49.8%
21.1%
40.8%
6.0%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.4%
16.2%
7.7%
5.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.7%
0.9%
4.4%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.6%
3.4%
2.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.4%
2.5%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.1%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
2.6%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.7%
3.8%
8.6%
Weather
Weather varies dramatically between these two cities. Queens experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Conversely, Sacramento boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. For those who appreciate all drastic seasonal changes, including snow, Queens might be the choice; but for others who prefer mild winters and enjoy hot summers, Sacramento is ideal.
Weather and climate
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
54.6°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.5%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
25.1%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.3%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.1%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
52.7 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.3%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
45%
Wind speed - Average
11.6 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Queens, New York
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
Queens
Sacramento
2018
97
121
0.26
0.32
14.7
9.7
25.4
24.7
N/A
0.002
N/A
28.9
6.4
12.7
0.4
N/A
2017
98
117
0.23
0.33
15.4
9.0
25.8
25.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
22.1
6.4
8.8
0.5
N/A
2016
97
103
0.24
0.44
16.0
8.0
25.5
25.3
N/A
0.002
N/A
14.0
6.7
9.0
0.6
N/A
2015
104
105
0.26
0.25
17.4
9.7
24.1
24.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
16.2
7.9
10.9
0.8
N/A
2014
99
99
0.25
0.24
17.0
10.2
24.3
24.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
15.6
7.8
9.6
1.1
N/A
2013
101
102
0.23
0.29
17.7
11.1
25.8
23.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
21.3
8.7
11.9
1.2
N/A
2012
105
107
0.26
0.31
17.6
10.5
25.8
25.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
15.2
9.1
7.9
1.8
N/A
2011
112
106
0.27
0.29
20.4
11.2
24.2
24.0
N/A
0.002
N/A
17.7
10.6
10.8
2.7
N/A
2010
112
109
0.35
0.29
19.4
11.2
23.6
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
10.3
9.3
2.9
0.5
2009
107
118
0.24
0.40
21.0
12.4
21.0
23.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
20.6
9.7
11.4
3.4
0.5
2008
113
130
0.44
0.40
22.6
14.9
22.0
25.4
0.013
N/A
N/A
24.3
11.0
13.6
4.1
0.5
2007
121
129
0.46
0.39
22.9
14.8
20.2
23.7
0.016
0.005
N/A
19.9
11.6
13.5
4.9
0.6
2006
120
124
0.46
0.49
23.5
15.4
20.3
22.7
0.018
N/A
N/A
23.7
12.7
13.0
5.3
0.5
2005
110
125
0.54
0.42
25.5
15.9
19.7
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
13.5
6.7
0.6
2004
107
119
0.55
0.49
25.1
15.8
18.2
19.1
0.030
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
13.3
5.8
0.6
2003
110
119
0.63
0.47
26.9
16.8
18.9
20.3
0.022
N/A
26.9
23.1
N/A
N/A
7.0
0.9
2002
124
114
0.58
0.50
27.9
18.1
19.2
21.2
0.008
0.004
25.7
25.1
N/A
N/A
6.5
1.5
2001
124
111
0.60
0.43
28.8
18.0
19.3
21.2
0.020
0.004
24.5
20.7
N/A
N/A
7.8
1.4
2000
115
107
0.67
0.55
28.4
17.9
17.6
19.5
0.022
0.004
22.2
19.1
N/A
N/A
7.3
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
54%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.6%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
18%
Transportation
Public transportation in Queens is extensive, anchored by the NYC subway system. Commuting is a way of life, with many residents using public transportation to get around. In Sacramento, commuting often means driving, and while the city has a light-rail system, it’s not as extensive or commonly used as transit options in Queens.
Transport
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
4
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.3%
1.1%
Bus
10%
1%
Carpooled
10.2%
12%
Car alone
34.3%
80%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
2.2%
0.4%
Streetcar
0.2%
0.1%
Subway
34.3%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.1%
Walked
5.7%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Average
44 min
28.5 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Queens comes at a premium due to the high demand for housing in NYC. The borough features a mix of housing styles, from apartment buildings to single-family homes. On the other hand, real estate in Sacramento tends to be more affordable, with plenty of single-family homes and suburban-style neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in Queens range from urban to suburban-like, each with its own distinct vibe. Sacramento’s neighborhoods offer more suburban, spread-out layouts, with many parks and recreational facilities. Both cities have neighborhoods known for their unique ethnic compositions, adding richness to the cultural fabric of the cities.
Houses and residents
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Houses
817,250
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.6
Houses occupied
782,664 (95.8%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
334,894 (42.8%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
447,770 (57.2%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,666
$976.09
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$615,765
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$642,000
$449,600
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.4
5.8
Renting percentage
57%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
7,481.6
2,168.8
Household income disparities
44.9%
44%
Housing units without a mortgage
64,617 (34.6%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
311 (0.2%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
122,366 (65.4%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
9,927 (5.3%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
10,707 (5.7%)
5,362 (7.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,383
12,891
State government workers
21,536
40,274
Unpaid family workers
2,382
755
Industries and Occupations
In Queens, major industries include healthcare, education, and transportation. In contrast, in Sacramento, government jobs dominate, supplemented by a growing technology industry and healthcare sector.
Healthcare is excellent in both cities. Queens is home to several top-rated hospitals, including the NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. Sacramento's healthcare system is strong as well, with the UC Davis Medical Center and other excellent healthcare facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Queens
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure-wise, Queens, with its subway lines, highways, and bus services, is tailored to handle the movement and necessities of its massive population. Sacramento's infrastructure is also robust but designed for a less dense population.
Infrastructure
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Hospitals
1
17
TV stations
30
23
Schools
School facilities
Type
Queens
Sacramento
Private elementary/middle schools
8
26
Private high schools
1
19
Public elementary/middle schools
6
142
Public high schools
2
54
Colleges/Universities
1
22
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities offer rich experiences. Queens is known for its cultural diversity, mirrored in its vast array of global cuisines. Sacramento, meanwhile, is known as California's farm-to-fork capital and thrives on fresh produce, seafood, and wine from local sources.
Sports Teams
Major professional sports teams in Queens include the New York Mets (MLB) and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which hosts the US Open. Sacramento is home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, and the city also supports minor league baseball and soccer teams.
Queens, NY
Sacramento, CA
