Sacramento, the vibrant capital of California, stands in significant contrast to the quieter, suburban idyll of West Contra Costa. While Sacramento presents a bustling city environment with diverse opportunities and amenities, West Contra Costa offers a slower pace, benefiting from its close proximity to both natural and metropolitan attractions. Both have unique qualities that might attract people looking to relocate or simply visit, determined by their preference for a city or suburban living, lifestyle needs, and personal interests.
Crime in Sacramento is higher than the national average, something worth considering for potential residents or tourists. Downtown Sacramento is generally safer than some of its surrounding areas. West Contra Costa, on the other hand, has lower crime rates, being a suburban area. The towns in West Contra Costa, including Richmond, have been witnessing declining crime rates over the years.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Sacramento is slightly above the national average, mostly due to housing costs. On the other hand, the cost of living in West Contra Costa is significantly higher largely because of the expensive housing market, driven by the region's proximity to affluent areas like Marin County and San Francisco.
Income Tax
Both Sacramento and West Contra Costa are subjected to California state income tax, which is progressive and can reach up to 13.3% for the highest earners.
Property Tax
In Sacramento, the average county property tax rate is around 0.84%, whereas West Contra Costa, being part of Contra Costa County, has a rate of around 0.77%.
Sales Tax
In Sacramento, the combined city and state sales tax rate is 8.75%, while West Contra Costa has a rate of 9.25% because of the higher rates in Contra Costa County.
Income
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$75,311
$87,268
Estimated per capita income
$37,916
$39,820
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
102.9
131
If you make $50,000 in Sacramento, you will have to make $63,654 in West Contra Costa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Sacramento is located in the lower Sacramento Valley and enjoys proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range and American River. West Contra Costa is located along San Francisco Bay, providing access to beautiful coastal views and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Geographical information
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Land area
97.2 sq. miles
68.1 sq. miles
Population density
5,404 people per sq. mile
3,673.6 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Sacramento, CA West Contra Costa, CA
Education
Sacramento boasts numerous public and private school options, as well as higher education with institutes like California State University, Sacramento, and the University of California, Davis nearby. West Contra Costa Unified School District serves the area of West Contra Costa and there are a number of public, private and charter schools for families to choose from.
Sacramento's economy is diverse, with sectors such as government, healthcare, and education playing significant roles. There are also growing sectors like technology and renewable energy. The economy of West Contra Costa is more suburban in nature, with many residents commuting to neighbouring cities such as San Francisco and Oakland for work.
Biggest Employers
The State of California, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health are among Sacramento's biggest employers. In West Contra Costa, some of the largest employers include Chevron, West Contra Costa Unified School District, and Contra Costa County.
In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In West Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
2020
61.4%
71.8%
36.1%
26.4%
2.5%
1.8%
2016
58.0%
67.5%
33.8%
24.5%
8.3%
8.0%
2012
58.1%
66.2%
39.1%
31.1%
2.8%
2.7%
2008
58.4%
68.0%
39.4%
30.2%
2.2%
1.8%
2004
49.8%
62.6%
49.6%
36.7%
0.6%
0.7%
2000
49.4%
59.0%
45.4%
37.2%
5.2%
3.8%
1996
49.8%
55.7%
40.8%
35.2%
9.4%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.2%
21.8%
5.1%
5.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.7%
1.3%
8.6%
10.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.9%
1.0%
1.3%
1.4%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.6%
0.0%
2.2%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.3%
2.1%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.5%
1.8%
2.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.3%
1.7%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.4%
2.3%
Weather
Sacramento features a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is one of the sunniest locations in the world from July to September. Conversely, West Contra Costa enjoys a more moderate Mediterranean climate. The weather can vary dramatically between the coastal and inland areas, with the coast being cooler and the inland regions experiencing hotter temperatures.
Weather and climate
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
62.2°F
58.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
66.8%
84.1%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
58%
29%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
90.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
29%
61.7%
Precipitation - Yearly average
19 in
28.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.5%
27.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
83.6%
73%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
22.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
97%
77%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
55%
Wind speed - Average
6.8 mph
11.4 mph
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Average climate in West Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
2018
121
105
0.32
0.42
9.7
8.7
24.7
24.4
0.002
0.012
28.9
N/A
12.7
12.9
N/A
0.5
2017
117
104
0.33
0.37
9.0
9.2
25.2
23.1
0.002
0.008
22.1
N/A
8.8
10.7
N/A
0.7
2016
103
76
0.44
0.36
8.0
8.6
25.3
22.8
0.002
0.005
14.0
N/A
9.0
8.1
N/A
0.8
2015
105
91
0.25
0.45
9.7
9.5
24.9
23.6
0.002
0.004
16.2
N/A
10.9
9.1
N/A
0.8
2014
99
86
0.24
0.42
10.2
9.4
24.9
22.3
0.002
0.005
15.6
N/A
9.6
10.4
N/A
0.9
2013
102
87
0.29
0.33
11.1
10.6
23.2
22.1
0.002
0.004
21.3
N/A
11.9
11.8
N/A
0.5
2012
107
90
0.31
0.33
10.5
9.6
25.2
24.1
0.002
0.003
15.2
N/A
7.9
8.2
N/A
1.9
2011
106
94
0.29
0.34
11.2
10.3
24.0
22.7
0.002
0.003
17.7
N/A
10.8
10.0
N/A
3.1
2010
109
90
0.29
0.33
11.2
11.2
22.8
21.9
N/A
0.015
16.9
N/A
9.3
9.1
0.5
1.3
2009
118
99
0.40
0.27
12.4
12.2
23.3
19.9
0.003
0.006
20.6
N/A
11.4
10.4
0.5
0.9
2008
130
110
0.40
0.23
14.9
12.0
25.4
22.7
N/A
0.006
24.3
N/A
13.6
12.7
0.5
1.1
2007
129
99
0.39
0.38
14.8
12.0
23.7
22.1
0.005
0.006
19.9
N/A
13.5
10.6
0.6
1.2
2006
124
104
0.49
0.43
15.4
12.7
22.7
21.4
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
13.0
11.0
0.5
1.6
2005
125
94
0.42
0.37
15.9
12.0
20.0
20.4
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
13.5
10.3
0.6
1.7
2004
119
105
0.49
0.59
15.8
13.1
19.1
20.7
N/A
0.004
22.7
N/A
13.3
12.0
0.6
1.6
2003
119
79
0.47
0.50
16.8
13.5
20.3
22.0
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
1.5
2002
114
81
0.50
0.47
18.1
13.8
21.2
22.6
0.004
0.008
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.2
2001
111
83
0.43
0.41
18.0
13.9
21.2
21.5
0.004
0.008
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.3
2000
107
76
0.55
0.48
17.9
14.0
19.5
19.9
0.004
0.013
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.8%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,798.9%
7,617.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
18%
Transportation
Both Sacramento and West Contra Costa feature extensive transportation system. Sacramento's light rail system and bus lines cover most of the city, and it is also bike-friendly. West Contra Costa is served by BART, offering an easy commute to San Francisco and surrounding areas.
Transport
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
414
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
20
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Bicycle
1.1%
0.7%
Bus
1%
4.1%
Carpooled
12%
18.6%
Car alone
80%
63%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0.4%
0.4%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.1%
Subway
0.1%
7%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2.8%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Average
28.5 min
35 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Sacramento varies widely, from affordable homes in emerging neighborhoods to higher-priced properties in more established areas. Meanwhile, homes in West Contra Costa can be quite expensive, with real estate prices reflecting the overall Bay Area real estate market trend.
Neighborhoods
Sacramento is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics. Midtown is popular for its vibrant food and cultural scene, while East Sacramento is known for its leafy, residential charm. West Contra Costa is primarily residential and includes several cities and towns, each with its own distinct character.
Houses and residents
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
Houses
210,715
86,004
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.8
Houses occupied
202,093 (95.9%)
83,291 (96.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
103,994 (51.5%)
50,448 (60.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
98,099 (48.5%)
32,843 (39.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$976.09
$1,781
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$398,191
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
$449,600
$597,522
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
5.4
Renting percentage
50.6%
40.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,168.8
1,262.7
Household income disparities
44%
46.4%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,166 (1.6%)
11,194 (24.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,385 (6.1%)
155 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
70,415 (98.4%)
34,015 (75.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.3%)
3,361 (7.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,362 (7.5%)
4,664 (10.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
12,891
8,123
State government workers
40,274
5,849
Unpaid family workers
755
314
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Sacramento include government services, healthcare, and technology. The city has a burgeoning tech scene known as the "Silicon Valley East". In West Contra Costa, the leading industries include health care, retail trade, and manufacturing. Education and public administration also provide a significant number of jobs.
Sacramento's health care system is strong, with many high-rated hospitals and renowned healthcare providers, such as UC Davis Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. West Contra Costa also boasts excellent healthcare facilities, with providers like Kaiser Permanente and John Muir Health.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Sacramento has robust infrastructure with plentiful parks, museums, and a bustling downtown area. The city's entertainment scene benefits from venues like the Golden 1 Center. West Contra Costa, though smaller, benefits from its proximity to greater Bay Area infrastructure, including access to numerous parks and green spaces.
Infrastructure
Type
Sacramento
West Contra Costa
TV stations
23
22
Culture and Food
Both areas offer rich cultural experiences. Sacramento is renowned for its food culture and has been dubbed "America's Farm-to-Fork Capital". The city also hosts a variety of music, art, and cultural festivals. West Contra Costa, being part of the broader Bay Area, benefits from the vast cultural and culinary offerings of nearby cities, while maintaining its own local charm.
Sports Teams
Sacramento is home to the NBA's Sacramento Kings and the River Cats, a Minor League Baseball team. The city also has a strong college sports presence. West Contra Costa doesn’t have its own major sports teams, but residents root for Bay Area teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's, and Golden State Warriors.
Sacramento, CA
West Contra Costa, CA
Sacramento, CA and 
West Contra Costa, CA : 62.1 miles
