Austin, TX and Sacramento, CA, while different in many respects, both provide vibrant cultural scenes, dynamic economies, and thriving industries. However, they also have their unique features that set them apart. Austin prides itself as the Live Music Capital of the World, while Sacramento is known for its rich history and the seat of the California government. Let's delve deeper into various aspects such as crime/safety, cost of living, job market as well as weather conditions, among others to understand these cities better.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Sacramento, CA : 1,461.8 miles
Austin's population is larger by 84%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
When considering safety, it's important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood within each city. In general, Austin has a slightly lower crime rate than Sacramento. According to FBI crime data, Austin is safer than 24% of the cities in the United States. Sacramento, on the other hand, is safer than 18% of U.S. cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 2,168 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 228 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Austin than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
Living in Austin generally costs less than living in Sacramento. The cost of living in Austin is slightly below the national average, making it more affordable compared to other major cities in the U.S. Sacramento, while not as expensive as other Californian cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, still has a cost of living index above the national average.
Income Tax
Austin residents enjoy no state income tax, which can lead to significant annual savings compared to Sacramento, where residents are subject to California's relatively high state income tax rate (up to 13.3% for top earners).
Property Tax
Property taxes in Austin are quite high, with an average rate of around 1.83%, while Sacramento's average property tax rate is lower around 0.84%.
Sales Tax
Texas does not have a state income tax, and Austin's combined sales tax rate is 8.25%. On the other hand, California has a high state income tax, and Sacramento's combined sales tax rate is 8.75%.
Income
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $53,371 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in Central Texas hill country, resulting in a variety of outdoor activities, thanks to its many parks, lakes, and hiking trails. Sacramento is conveniently situated in California's Central Valley, offering proximity to the ocean, mountains, and multinational wine regions.
Both cities offer numerous top-quality educational institutions. Austin is the home of the University of Texas at Austin, one of the biggest and highest-rated universities in the U.S. Sacramento houses the California State University, Sacramento, and several other smaller colleges. The public school system in both cities is well-regarded with several top-rated schools.
Both Austin and Sacramento have strong economies. Austin is renowned for its tech industry and startups, leading to its nickname, "Silicon Hills." Sacramento, as the capital of California, has a diverse economy with sectors like government, education, healthcare, and technology playing significant roles.
Biggest Employers
In Austin, some of the biggest employers are the State of Texas, University of Texas at Austin, Dell, and IBM. Sacramento's largest employers include the State of California, Sacramento County, Intel, and Sutter Health.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% 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
Austin
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
2020
71.7%
61.4%
26.5%
36.1%
1.8%
2.5%
2016
65.8%
58.0%
27.2%
33.8%
7.0%
8.3%
2012
60.2%
58.1%
36.2%
39.1%
3.6%
2.8%
2008
63.8%
58.4%
34.4%
39.4%
1.8%
2.2%
2004
56.1%
49.8%
42.1%
49.6%
1.8%
0.6%
2000
41.7%
49.4%
47.0%
45.4%
11.3%
5.2%
1996
52.4%
49.8%
40.0%
40.8%
7.7%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
16.2%
4.5%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
1.7%
22.8%
8.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.3%
2.8%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.9%
0.7%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.5%
2.5%
1.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.2%
2.1%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.0%
2.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.4%
0.1%
1.7%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
2.2%
Weather
Climate-wise, Austin experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers while Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Austin tends to have a longer and hotter summer, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Sacramento, while also hot in the summer, cools down significantly in the evenings and winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
45%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
Austin
Sacramento
2018
76
121
N/A
0.32
4.9
9.7
26.7
24.7
0.002
N/A
28.9
N/A
8.7
12.7
0.2
N/A
2017
76
117
N/A
0.33
4.6
9.0
29.7
25.2
0.002
N/A
22.1
N/A
8.3
8.8
0.3
N/A
2016
71
103
N/A
0.44
4.2
8.0
29.5
25.3
0.002
N/A
14.0
N/A
8.2
9.0
0.2
N/A
2015
78
105
N/A
0.25
4.4
9.7
28.9
24.9
0.002
N/A
16.2
N/A
8.6
10.9
0.3
N/A
2014
74
99
N/A
0.24
5.2
10.2
28.3
24.9
0.002
N/A
15.6
N/A
8.7
9.6
0.5
N/A
2013
78
102
0.09
0.29
5.5
11.1
29.5
23.2
0.002
N/A
21.3
N/A
8.6
11.9
0.5
N/A
2012
86
107
0.13
0.31
5.5
10.5
30.1
25.2
0.002
N/A
15.2
N/A
8.6
7.9
N/A
N/A
2011
83
106
0.11
0.29
2.6
11.2
33.0
24.0
0.002
N/A
17.7
N/A
9.1
10.8
N/A
N/A
2010
77
109
0.05
0.29
3.2
11.2
29.4
22.8
N/A
N/A
16.9
N/A
8.8
9.3
N/A
0.5
2009
76
118
0.05
0.40
2.6
12.4
29.7
23.3
0.003
N/A
20.6
N/A
9.0
11.4
N/A
0.5
2008
81
130
0.12
0.40
3.2
14.9
30.7
25.4
N/A
N/A
24.3
N/A
9.7
13.6
N/A
0.5
2007
82
129
0.12
0.39
3.1
14.8
27.1
23.7
0.005
N/A
19.9
N/A
9.8
13.5
N/A
0.6
2006
89
124
0.14
0.49
3.8
15.4
31.3
22.7
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
10.0
13.0
0.2
0.5
2005
92
125
0.15
0.42
4.4
15.9
29.0
20.0
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
10.7
13.5
0.2
0.6
2004
74
119
0.16
0.49
3.3
15.8
26.8
19.1
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
0.6
2003
85
119
0.26
0.47
4.2
16.8
28.9
20.3
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
0.9
2002
83
114
0.33
0.50
3.9
18.1
27.2
21.2
0.004
N/A
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2001
83
111
0.31
0.43
4.2
18.0
25.5
21.2
0.004
N/A
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2000
86
107
0.28
0.55
4.7
17.9
27.8
19.5
0.004
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
18%
Transportation
Austin is primarily a car-centric city but also offers public transportation options like buses and a commuter rail line. Traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours. Sacramento also relies heavily on cars but supports this with an extensive network of light rail and bus services provided by Sacramento Regional Transit.
Transport
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
911
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.8%
1.1%
Bus
1.5%
1%
Carpooled
7.9%
12%
Car alone
85.9%
80%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Average
29.9 min
28.5 min
Other means
22.7 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Austin is quite vibrant with its growing population. However, property prices are climbing, reflecting its desirability and growth. Sacramento's real estate market is known to be a bit more stable but is also subjected to California's overall high property prices.
Neighborhoods
Each city has a variety of neighborhoods offering different lifestyles. Austin's neighborhoods, like Hyde Park and Zilker, offer a lively lifestyle with access to music venues, restaurants, and parks. Sacramento, on the other hand, features diverse areas like Midtown with its trendy bars and eateries and William Land Park, known for its green spaces.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Houses
469,156
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.6
Median year apartment built
1997
1977
Median year house/condo built
1988
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$481,210
Median house age
28
44
Renting percentage
54.9%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
2,168.8
House value disparities
28.4%
25.5%
Household income disparities
44.8%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Sacramento
One, detached
43.1%
61.7%
One, attached
5.2%
6.8%
Two
2.4%
1.8%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.8%
5 to 9
7.2%
6.9%
10 to 19
11.0%
4.9%
20 to 49
8.9%
3.5%
50 or more
17.2%
7.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
12,891
State government workers
46,229
40,274
Unpaid family workers
102
755
Industries and Occupations
Austin is anchored by a strong technology industry, with major companies like Apple, IBM, Intel, and Dell having significant presence. The city also thrives in the sectors like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Sacramento, while having a diverse economy, is heavily influenced by sectors like government, healthcare, education, and technology.
Healthcare in Austin is top-notch, with hospitals like St. David's Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Health. Sacramento is home to renowned medical facilities like UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin is known for its well-developed infrastructure that supports a growing population and booming business sectors. In Sacramento, significant infrastructure projects are unfolding and the city is known for keeping its roadways well-maintained.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Sacramento
Hospitals
65
17
TV stations
20
23
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
264
127
Bank institutions located here
43
31
Main business address for public companies
44
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Sacramento
1999
4,733
1,003
2000
2,950
1,155
2001
2,038
983
2002
1,772
1,197
2003
2,213
2,258
2004
2,458
3,872
2005
3,121
4,610
2006
3,367
4,276
2007
2,560
2,386
2008
1,747
1,381
2009
1,067
647
Culture and Food
Austin's culture is centered around music, with numerous music festivals, including the famous South by Southwest. The food scene is highlighted by its renowned Tex-Mex and barbeque. Sacramento, dubbed the “Farm-to-Fork” capital, experiences a vibrant food scene with numerous breweries, wineries, and farmers markets, reminding of its agricultural roots.
Sports Teams
Austin is home to the University of Texas Longhorns, and it recently welcomed Austin FC to the MLS. Sacramento, though smaller in size, hosts the NBA's Sacramento Kings and supports a strong following of San Francisco-based teams.
Austin, TX
Sacramento, CA
Austin, TX and 
Sacramento, CA : 1,461.8 miles
