The Bronx, part of New York City, and Sacramento, the capital of California, have unique characteristics that contribute to their distinct living experiences. They offer varied weather, cost of living, education levels, economic growth, infrastructure characteristics, and more. These factors will be compared in the following sections to provide an in-depth view of the comparative living conditions in these two cities.
The crime rates in both the Bronx and Sacramento are relatively high in comparison to the US average. However, the Bronx, being part of NYC, has witnessed considerable reductions in crime rates over the past two decades. Sacramento, on the other hand, has been experiencing a slight increase in crime rates. Personal safety can depend on the neighborhood you reside in or visit in both these cities, so thorough research is advisable before relocation or travel.
Cost of Living
The Bronx generally has a higher cost of living than Sacramento. This is largely influenced by the high housing costs in NYC even though the Bronx is one of its more affordable boroughs. However, Sacramento also has a cost of living higher than the national average mainly due to housing and transportation costs.
Income Tax
New York State's income tax rates range from 4% to 8.82% depending on income, with New York City residents paying an additional tax. California’s income tax rates range from 1% to 13.3%, also depending on income levels.
Property Tax
Bronx homeowners typically have lower property taxes than those in Sacramento due to New York's state-wide property tax cap, and because property values in the Bronx are generally lower compared to other NYC boroughs. California's property tax rates are relatively low, but high property values can result in significant tax payments in Sacramento.
Sales Tax
New York City, inclusive of the Bronx, has a combined sales tax rate of 8.875%, which is higher than Sacramento's combined rate of 8.75%.
Income
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$43,011
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$23,354
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
172.8
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Sacramento, you will have to make $83,965 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Bronx, located on the mainland north of Manhattan, is characterized by its urban nature and the presence of several parks. Sacramento is located in the expansive Central Valley, next to the Sacramento and American Rivers, is less dense and has numerous outdoor recreational spots.
Geographical information
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Land area
42 sq. miles
97.2 sq. miles
Population density
32,928 people per sq. mile
5,404 people per sq. mile
Elevation
120 feet
20 feet
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Sacramento, CA
Education
With access to numerous high-quality public and private schools, colleges, and universities, both the Bronx and Sacramento offer numerous educational opportunities. Still, NYC's education system, which includes the Bronx, is generally ranked higher.
The economies of both regions are diverse. The Bronx benefits from being part of NYC's robust and diverse economy with strong sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail. Sacramento's economy is spearheaded by sectors like government, education, and healthcare. The unemployment rates in both areas are comparable to the national average.
Biggest Employers
In the Bronx, the biggest employers are healthcare institutions, educational institutions, and the city government. Sacramento's largest employers are state and local government entities, along with healthcare and education providers.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% 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
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
2020
83.7%
61.4%
16.0%
36.1%
0.3%
2.5%
2016
88.6%
58.0%
9.5%
33.8%
2.0%
8.3%
2012
91.9%
58.1%
8.1%
39.1%
0.0%
2.8%
2008
89.0%
58.4%
11.0%
39.4%
0.0%
2.2%
2004
82.9%
49.8%
16.5%
49.6%
0.6%
0.6%
2000
86.5%
49.4%
11.8%
45.4%
1.7%
5.2%
1996
85.8%
49.8%
10.5%
40.8%
3.7%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.5%
16.2%
11.5%
5.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.8%
0.9%
3.9%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.4%
4.4%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.6%
6.5%
2.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
3.7%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.5%
2.6%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.7%
2.4%
8.6%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
2.2%
Weather
A huge difference between the Bronx and Sacramento is their climates. Bronx experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with periods of snow, while summers are typically hot and humid. Sacramento, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean-type climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, making it overall a more temperate city.
Weather and climate
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
54.7°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.2%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.4%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.2%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
54.5 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.5%
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
10.7 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
Bronx
Sacramento
2018
102
121
0.31
0.32
15.8
9.7
24.4
24.7
N/A
0.002
N/A
28.9
7.4
12.7
0.6
N/A
2017
100
117
0.04
0.33
15.7
9.0
24.6
25.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
22.1
7.0
8.8
0.6
N/A
2016
98
103
0.30
0.44
16.4
8.0
24.6
25.3
N/A
0.002
N/A
14.0
7.2
9.0
0.8
N/A
2015
105
105
0.28
0.25
18.0
9.7
23.6
24.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
16.2
8.6
10.9
1.4
N/A
2014
99
99
0.32
0.24
18.0
10.2
23.6
24.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
15.6
8.4
9.6
1.7
N/A
2013
103
102
0.39
0.29
18.9
11.1
23.5
23.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
21.3
9.3
11.9
2.1
N/A
2012
104
107
0.44
0.31
18.8
10.5
23.9
25.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
15.2
9.7
7.9
3.1
N/A
2011
113
106
0.46
0.29
20.9
11.2
22.1
24.0
N/A
0.002
N/A
17.7
11.6
10.8
4.5
N/A
2010
113
109
0.53
0.29
20.2
11.2
23.7
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
10.8
9.3
4.7
0.5
2009
107
118
0.53
0.40
22.3
12.4
19.5
23.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
20.6
10.8
11.4
5.4
0.5
2008
114
130
0.53
0.40
23.3
14.9
19.9
25.4
0.013
N/A
N/A
24.3
12.1
13.6
5.9
0.5
2007
122
129
0.60
0.39
24.6
14.8
19.1
23.7
0.016
0.005
N/A
19.9
13.2
13.5
7.0
0.6
2006
120
124
0.50
0.49
25.0
15.4
18.9
22.7
0.018
N/A
N/A
23.7
12.8
13.0
7.0
0.5
2005
115
125
0.60
0.42
27.0
15.9
17.8
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
13.5
9.3
0.6
2004
109
119
0.62
0.49
25.6
15.8
16.7
19.1
0.030
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
13.3
8.8
0.6
2003
110
119
0.75
0.47
27.4
16.8
17.1
20.3
0.022
N/A
26.9
23.1
N/A
N/A
8.9
0.9
2002
124
114
0.67
0.50
27.9
18.1
17.4
21.2
0.008
0.004
25.0
25.1
N/A
N/A
8.6
1.5
2001
126
111
0.66
0.43
30.0
18.0
17.8
21.2
0.020
0.004
22.8
20.7
N/A
N/A
10.0
1.4
2000
115
107
0.68
0.55
29.4
17.9
16.0
19.5
0.022
0.004
22.2
19.1
N/A
N/A
10.2
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
58.3%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
18%
Transportation
The Bronx, being part of NYC, benefits from a robust public transit system that includes the subway, buses, and taxis. Sacramento also has a well-functioning public transit system, comprised mainly of light rail and bus systems. Both cities also have busy airports and are served by Amtrak and interstates.
Transport
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
39
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.2%
1.1%
Bus
15.6%
1%
Carpooled
9.3%
12%
Car alone
27%
80%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
2%
0.4%
Streetcar
0.2%
0.1%
Subway
34.6%
0.1%
Taxicab
1.3%
0.1%
Walked
7.2%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Average
44.2 min
28.5 min
Real Estate
Real estate in the Bronx is generally more costly than in Sacramento due to the higher demand and lower supply of housing in New York City. Sacramento, although less expensive than NYC, has been experiencing an increase in real-estate costs, in part due to people moving from more costly California regions.
Neighborhoods
Both cities pride themselves on diverse, culturally rich neighborhoods. The Bronx is home to neighborhoods like Riverdale, known for its affluence, and Belmont, known as NYC's real Little Italy. Sacramento's desirable neighborhoods include East Sacramento, known for its tree-lined streets, and Old Sacramento with its historic charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Houses
490,659
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.6
Houses occupied
463,212 (94.4%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
90,522 (19.5%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
372,690 (80.5%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,273
$976.09
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$708,992
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$465,000
$449,600
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
5.8
Renting percentage
80.7%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
11,675
2,168.8
Household income disparities
50.2%
44%
Housing units without a mortgage
12,021 (34%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.3%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
23,339 (66%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,053 (5.8%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,159 (6.1%)
5,362 (7.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,572
12,891
State government workers
14,515
40,274
Unpaid family workers
1,000
755
Industries and Occupations
Diverse industries thrive in both areas. The Bronx has a strong presence of healthcare, retail, and education sectors. Sacramento's economy is significantly influenced by the government, healthcare, and education sectors. The dominant occupations in the Bronx are office and administrative support roles, while in Sacramento, management, business, and financial operations roles lead.
Both the Bronx and Sacramento have numerous high-quality healthcare facilities. The Bronx boasts some of NYC's finest hospitals while Sacramento is home to Sutter Health, a leading health care provider in Northern California.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure is well developed in both locations. The Bronx, with its tall buildings and high population density, is part of the highly urbanized NYC, featuring extensive public transportation and many landmarks. Sacramento has a more laid-back urban design, with modernistic towers, historic buildings, extensive biking trails and green locations.
Infrastructure
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Hospitals
57
17
TV stations
30
23
Bank branches located here
118
127
Bank institutions located here
24
31
Main business address for public companies
2
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
4
20
Schools
School facilities
Type
Bronx
Sacramento
Private elementary/middle schools
54
26
Private high schools
20
19
Public elementary/middle schools
285
142
Public high schools
155
54
Colleges/Universities
9
22
Culture and Food
NYC, home to the Bronx, is synonymous with a vibrant culture and food scene, representing numerous cultures from around the world. Sacramento, known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital", has a thriving food scene focusing on locally-sourced produce and diverse cuisine influenced by its multicultural population.
Sports Teams
The Bronx is home to one of the most famous baseball teams, the New York Yankees. Sacramento is home to the NBA's Sacramento Kings. Both cities also have access to numerous other professional sports teams due to their proximity to other major cities.
Bronx, NY
Sacramento, CA
Bronx, NY and 
Sacramento, CA : 2,503.7 miles
