Nomads Data

Sacramento, United States

North America · Mediterranean

Rank: 296 | Index: 77.0

Sacramento, the capital of California, is an emerging destination for digital nomads. With its Mediterranean climate, affordable cost of living, and improving digital infrastructure, Sacramento provides a great balance between work and lifestyle. The city's growing tech industry and proximity to major cities like San Francisco and San Jose make it an attractive location for remote workers.

Budget FriendlyFast InternetNature EscapeDN HubWellness & HealthHistoric City
Monthly Cost
$1306
Single · No rent
Internet
374.2Mbps
Fixed broadband
Safety
51
Quality of Life
90.135

At a Glance — Sacramento

Nomad Index
Rank: 296 | Index: 77.0
Climate
Mediterranean · 18°C avg · 58 rainy days/yr
Health
67.44 / 100
Pollution
46.93 / 100
Traffic
124.52 / 100
Rent (1BR)
Centre $2086.67 · Outside $1540.91
Power Grid
100% electricity access
Coworking
0 spaces
DN Visa
Not available
Data from Numbeo, Ookla, Open-Meteo, World Bank & more

City Personality

Sacramento offers a relaxed, small-town feel with a growing tech industry, making it perfect for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and lifestyle.

Best For

  • remote workers
  • digital nomads
  • tech professionals

Less Suitable For

  • those seeking a fast-paced city lifestyle
  • high-end shopping and dining
Lifestyle: Cafe culture, outdoor activities, and community events
Pace: Relaxed

Internet Speed in Sacramento

Sacramento boasts fast internet speeds, with fixed upload speeds reaching 187.5 Mbps and mobile upload speeds at 30.3 Mbps. The city's infrastructure supports seamless video calls, cloud development, and file uploads, making it suitable for most remote professions. However, latency might affect real-time collaboration, with mobile latency at 24 ms and fixed latency at 12.6 ms.

Fast fixed and mobile internet speedsSupports video calls and cloud developmentLatency might affect real-time collaboration

Fixed Broadband

Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment

Download
374 Mbps
Upload
188 Mbps
Latency
13 ms
Excellent

Mobile Data

4G/5G cellular network

Download
347 Mbps
Upload
30 Mbps
Latency
24 ms
Good

Remote Work Readiness

Video Calls
HD calls supported
Screen Sharing
Smooth sharing
Cloud Development
Low latency
Ookla Speedtest Intelligence — Q1 2026

Cost of Living in Sacramento

Sacramento's cost of living index is 78.99, with a monthly budget of $1,306 (excluding rent). A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $2,086.67 per month. While everyday items like meals and transportation are reasonably priced, housing costs can be a significant factor in overall expenses.

Affordable monthly expenses excluding rentHousing costs can be highReasonable prices for everyday items
Total Monthly Cost
$3,393
Restaurants
$3029%
Groceries
$55816%
Transport
$1605%
Utilities
$1655%
Clothing
$311%
Leisure
$903%
Rent
$2,08762%
Living $1,306+Rent $2,087=$3,393
International flights and trip insurance not included.
Numbeo — Cost of Living data

Cost Comparison: Cities in United States

Sacramento vs Irvine

Sacramento
Sacramento
$1,306
/mo
vs
-$17
cheaper
Irvine
Irvine
$1,289
/mo
Full Comparison

Sacramento vs Arlington

Sacramento
Sacramento
$1,306
/mo
vs
-$210
cheaper
Arlington
Arlington
$1,096
/mo
Full Comparison

Visa Options for Sacramento, United States

United States does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but several tourist visa options are available.

The United States offers various visa options, including a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. However, there is no specific digital nomad visa available. Remote workers should research and consult with immigration experts to determine the best visa option for their situation.

Visa-free stay of up to 90 daysNo specific digital nomad visa available
Visa types available
  • Visa-free (90 days)
Passport Checker — United States

See what visa you need for Sacramento based on your passport

Pick your passport above to see the visa requirement instantly
Digital Nomad Visa Database — visa policy information

Is Sacramento Safe?

Sacramento has a safety index of 51, indicating moderate safety. While crime rates are a concern, with a crime index of 49.44, the city is generally safe during the day. Remote workers should still take precautions, especially at night, and be aware of their surroundings.

Moderate safety indexSome crime concernsGenerally safe during the day
Safety Index
51/ 100
Crime index: 49.44
Daylight Safety
71.79/100
Safe
Night Safety
41.01/100
Fair

What Residents Worry About

Home break-in
43
Mugged or robbed
40.93
Car stolen
42.78
Things stolen from car
55.21
Physically attacked
39.68
Harassment / insults
45.99
Discrimination
30.19

Crime Severity

Drugs
62.5
Property crimes
58.34
Violent crimes
48.09
Corruption
37.62

Safety Tips for Sacramento

  • Keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
  • Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
  • Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
  • Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
Numbeo — Crime and safety data
Travel advisories — Government travel advisory data

Sacramento Climate & Weather

Sacramento experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters. The best months to visit are April to November, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. Remote workers can enjoy outdoor activities during these periods.

Hot dry summersMild wet wintersBest months: April to November

Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate.Hot dry summers and mild wet winters.

Climate Type
Mediterranean
17.5°C avg · 58 rainy days/yr
Dry Days / Year
322
No rain (≥3 mm)
Daylight Range
9.3h – 14.7h
Varies by 5.4h across the year

Average Daily Temperature

Max TempMin Temp
☀️ Peak Season
Apr – Nov
Comfortable temperatures · Low rainfall
Shoulder Season
Feb – Mar
Warm or mild · Moderate rainfall
❄️ Off Season
Dec – Jan
Hot or cold · Heavy rainfall

Daylight Hours

DaylightNight
Open-Meteo Archive API

Real Estate Market in Sacramento

Sacramento's housing market offers affordable rent options, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $2,086.67 per month. However, buying property can be expensive, with a price-to-income ratio of 4.61. Remote workers should consider renting as a more affordable option.

Affordable rent optionsExpensive to buy propertyPrice-to-income ratio: 4.61
Price-to-Income Ratio
4.6years
Loan affordability: 2.5

Overview

1BR City Centre
$2087
1BR Outside
$1541
Avg Salary/Mo
$4583
Mortgage Rate
6.2%

Buy vs Rent

Price-to-Income
4.6 yrs
Mortgage % Income
40.2%
Loan Affordability
2.5
Price-to-Rent Centre
11.5
Price-to-Rent Outside
10.8

Rental Yields & Returns

Gross Yield Centre
8.7%
Gross Yield Outside
9.3%

Apartment Prices

City Centre

1-Bedroom$2087
3-Bedroom$3298
Price per sqm$4958

Outside Centre

1-Bedroom$1541
3-Bedroom$2547
Price per sqm$3487
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Property is relatively affordable — consider long-term rental or even buying if you plan to stay.
  • Rental yields in the city centre are strong (8.7%) — potential for passive income.
  • With a local salary of 4583/month and manageable prices, this city is viable for longer stays.
Numbeo — Property data

Healthcare Quality in Sacramento

Sacramento's healthcare index is 67.44, indicating good quality. However, some limitations and concerns exist, such as equipment modernity and staff friendliness. Remote workers may want to consider additional insurance for comprehensive coverage.

Good healthcare qualitySome limitations and concernsEquipment modernity and staff friendliness
Healthcare Index
67.44/ 100

Quality Scores

Skill & Competency
72.12
Speed of Exams
69.08
Modern Equipment
85.2
Accuracy of Reports
69.81

Satisfaction Scores

Staff Friendliness
74.33
Responsiveness / Wait Times
58.77
Cost Satisfaction
52.92
Convenient Location
71.79
Numbeo — Healthcare quality data

Power Grid in United States

Sacramento's grid infrastructure is reliable, with 100% grid access and a renewable energy share of 10.9%. The city's energy consumption is 12,835.2954 kWh per capita, with a fossil fuel share of 0%. Remote workers can enjoy a stable and eco-friendly work environment.

Reliable grid infrastructure100% grid access10.9% renewable energy share
Electricity access
100%
of population in 2023
Consumption
12.6k
kWh per person
Reliability
Reliable
grid stability

Energy Mix

· 59% fossil fuels
17%
42%
18%
6%
Coal17%
Natural Gas42%
Nuclear18%
Hydro6%
Oil1%
World Bank — Power grid statistics

Traffic & Commute in Sacramento

Sacramento's traffic index is 124.52, indicating moderate congestion. While commute times can be long, with an average of 27.09 minutes, the city's transportation options, such as cars and buses, can help alleviate traffic.

Moderate traffic congestionManageable commute timesVarious transportation options
Traffic Index
124.52
Avg commute: 27.09 min / 19.03 km

Overview

Avg Commute
27.09 min
Avg Distance
19.03 km
77.9%
Top Mode
Car
CO₂ Index
6,456

Traffic Indexes

Time Index
27.1
Time Exp. Index
34.5
Inefficiency Index
125.7
CO₂ Emission Index
6456.0

Commute Mode Split

Work from Home
7.3%
Walking
8.8%
Bicycle
4.4%
Car
77.9%
Motorcycle
1.5%
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
  • Car dependency is high — factor in parking costs and traffic when choosing where to live.
  • CO₂ emissions from transport are high — you may prefer walkable neighborhoods to reduce exposure.
  • Commute times are relatively predictable — you can plan your schedule with confidence.
Numbeo — Traffic data

Pollution & Environment in Sacramento

Sacramento's air quality index is 46.93, indicating moderate pollution. While the city experiences some air pollution, with an air quality label of 'Moderate quality', remote workers can still enjoy outdoor activities with some precautions.

Moderate air qualitySome pollution concernsAir quality label: 'Moderate quality'
Pollution Index
46.93/ 100
Cleanliness: 53/100

Overview

Air Quality
52/100
Moderate quality
Drinking Water
69/100
Good quality
Green Spaces
74/100
Good quality
Noise Level
54/100
Moderate noise

Pollution Levels — Lower is better

Air pollution
47.58
Drinking water pollution
31.03
Noise & light pollution
45.54
Water pollution
41.52
Dirty / untidy
38.79

Quality Metrics — Higher is better

Air quality
52.42
Drinking water quality
68.97
Garbage disposal
78.18
Clean & tidy
61.21
Water quality
58.48

Livability

Green & parks quality
74.12
Comfortable to walk
64.83
Quiet at night
54.46
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Avoid swimming in local rivers or lakes — water pollution levels are elevated.
Numbeo — Pollution data

Frequently Asked Questions About Sacramento

What is the cost of living in Sacramento?
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 78.99, with a monthly budget of $1,306 (excluding rent). A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $2,086.67 per month.
Is Sacramento safe for remote workers?
Sacramento has a safety index of 51, indicating moderate safety. While generally safe during the day, remote workers should still take precautions at night and be aware of their surroundings.
What are the best months to visit Sacramento?
The best months to visit Sacramento are April to November, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall.
What are the typical internet speeds in Sacramento?
Sacramento boasts fast internet speeds, with fixed upload speeds reaching 187.5 Mbps and mobile upload speeds at 30.3 Mbps.
Are there coworking spaces in Sacramento?
Unfortunately, Sacramento has no dedicated coworking spaces. Remote workers often rely on cafes, business centers, or home offices to get work done.
What is the housing market like in Sacramento?
Sacramento's housing market offers affordable rent options, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $2,086.67 per month. Buying property can be expensive, with a price-to-income ratio of 4.61.
What kind of healthcare can I expect in Sacramento?
Sacramento offers good healthcare quality, with a healthcare index of 67.44. However, some limitations and concerns exist, such as equipment modernity and staff friendliness.
What are the transportation options in Sacramento?
Sacramento has various transportation options, including cars and buses, to help alleviate traffic congestion.
Is Sacramento a good destination for digital nomads?
Sacramento offers a balance of digital infrastructure and local lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for remote workers seeking a relaxed lifestyle and affordable living costs.

Key Takeaways

Quick insights for each category

Fast and Reliable Internet for Remote Work

Sacramento's internet infrastructure supports remote work, but latency may impact real-time collaboration.

Limited Coworking Options, But Cafes and Business Centers Abound

Remote workers in Sacramento often work from cafes, business centers, or home offices due to limited coworking options.

Affordable Living Costs, But Housing Can Be Pricey

Sacramento offers an affordable lifestyle, but housing costs can be a challenge for remote workers.

Visa Options for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads should explore visa options and consult with experts to find the best fit for their situation.

Moderate Safety, With Some Crime Concerns

Sacramento is moderately safe, but remote workers should be aware of crime concerns and take necessary precautions.

Mediterranean Climate with Hot Summers and Mild Winters

Sacramento's Mediterranean climate offers a pleasant lifestyle, with hot summers and mild winters.

Housing Market: Affordable Rent, Expensive to Buy

Sacramento's housing market offers affordable rent, but buying property can be expensive.

Good Healthcare Quality, But Some Limitations

Sacramento offers good healthcare quality, but remote workers should be aware of some limitations.

Reliable Grid Infrastructure with Renewable Energy

Sacramento's grid infrastructure is reliable and eco-friendly, making it suitable for remote work.

Moderate Traffic Congestion, But Commute Times Are Manageable

Sacramento experiences moderate traffic congestion, but commute times are manageable.

Moderate Air Quality, with Some Pollution Concerns

Sacramento's air quality is moderate, with some pollution concerns, but remote workers can still enjoy outdoor activities.

Nearby Destinations: San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland

Sacramento's proximity to major cities offers a range of opportunities for remote workers.