You finally landed that big promotion in the state capital or realized your remote job allows you to live anywhere in California. Now you are facing the reality of the sunshine tax in San Diego and wondering if the grass is greener in Northern California. The problem is that Southern California energy and housing costs have hit record highs this year, making it harder for growing households to save for the future.
At Must Have Movers, we have spent years helping families transition into these quiet pockets of paradise. Based on our 2026 data, the primary motivation for this 510-mile move is a total reset for the household budget. We have watched families move from a cramped condo in San Diego to a sprawling four-bedroom home in Sacramento without increasing their monthly spending. If you want a high quality of life with more breathing room in your bank account, this guide breaks down why Sacramento is the place to be this year.
Key Takeaways for Your 2026 Relocation
- Utility Savings: Transitioning to SMUD can save a typical family of four nearly $2,000 annually compared to SDG&E rates.
- Housing Market: Median home prices in Sacramento sit around $472,000, while San Diego averages exceed $1.1 million.
- Labor Laws: The new AB 692 law protects your relocation rights, making “stay-or-pay” debt traps illegal for most workers in 2026.
- Transit Time: Must Have Movers provides dedicated express trucks that deliver your belongings in 24 to 48 hours.
- Utility Gap: SMUD rates are 50% lower than PG&E and significantly lower than San Diego’s investor-owned utilities.
How much can you actually save on electricity with the SMUD transition?
The single biggest shock for most people moving to Sacramento is the utility bill. While San Diego residents are often saddled with the highest electricity rates in the nation, Sacramento is powered by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). As of early 2026, SMUD’s residential rates are approximately 50% lower than neighboring PG&E’s and nearly 54% lower than San Diego’s average bills.
For a large family home in Carmel Valley or Scripps Ranch, a summer cooling bill can easily top $450. In Sacramento, even with the intense Central Valley heat, a similar home using SMUD power averages significantly less. This utility arbitrage is a primary reason why relocating to the capital is a financial win for long-term residents. Must Have Movers recommends that our clients contact SMUD at least 48 hours before arrival to ensure their power is active. This ensures your new home is cool the moment our residential moving crew starts unloading.
Will your housing budget go further in the City of Trees?
The math is undeniable: you can buy two houses in many Sacramento neighborhoods for the price of one in La Jolla or Del Mar. While San Diego’s median home price is pushing $1.15 million, Sacramento remains surprisingly accessible at around $472,000. This pricing gap allows families to move from a cramped condo in North Park to a sprawling four-bedroom home in historic Land Park or the Fab 40s without increasing their mortgage.
Rents tell a similar story, with Sacramento apartments averaging 53% less than San Diego city center units. If your goal in 2026 is to achieve homeownership or simply upgrade your square footage, heading north is the most logical path. Must Have Movers has completed hundreds of moves for families who traded ocean views for double the yard space and a much smaller monthly payment.
How does the new AB 692 law protect your relocation package this year?
If you are moving for a job, you need to know about California Assembly Bill 692. Effective January 1, 2026, this landmark legislation protects workers from “debt traps” often found in relocation agreements. Historically, employers could force you to pay back every cent of your moving costs if you left the company within a year or two.
Under AB 692, these “stay-or-pay” contracts are largely prohibited. Must Have Movers stays strictly compliant with these new regulations, ensuring our paperwork supports your rights as a mobile professional. We provide the itemized invoices and transparent billing that modern HR departments and labor laws demand. You can now relocate for a better opportunity without the fear of financial ruin if the new position isn’t the perfect fit.
Are groceries and daily expenses cheaper in Sacramento?
While housing is the big ticket item, the daily cost of existence is also lower in the north. General groceries in San Diego are about 6.8% more expensive than in Sacramento. Simple items like milk, bread, and eggs consistently cost less in the Central Valley, which is the agricultural heart of the state.
However, keep an eye on sales tax. San Diego’s combined rate is 7.75%, whereas Sacramento sits at 8.75%. Despite this 1% difference, the overall savings on housing and utilities far outweigh the slight increase in sales tax on your weekend shopping trips to the Arden Fair Mall. According to our internal feedback from clients who have lived in both cities, the average household saves roughly $600 a month on essentials alone.
Location Overview: Sacramento in 2026
Sacramento has officially evolved beyond its sleepy government town reputation. With a population exceeding 524,000, it is a vibrant hub of farm-to-fork dining, professional sports, and diverse culture. The city’s City of Trees moniker is real—the dense heritage canopy in neighborhoods like Midtown and East Sac provides a unique urban forest feel that you won’t find in the coastal suburbs of Southern California.
The city is also a strategic gateway. Living in Sacramento puts you just 90 minutes from the world-class skiing of Lake Tahoe and the tech innovation of the Bay Area. It is the perfect home base for families who want a slower pace without losing access to major metropolitan amenities. Must Have Movers is proud to be the preferred choice for those making this lifestyle pivot in 2026.
What are the best neighborhoods for families in Sacramento?
When we help families relocate from San Diego, they usually look for equivalents to neighborhoods like Rancho Bernardo or Encinitas. Here are our 2026 top picks:
- Land Park: Known for the Sacramento Zoo and quiet, tree-lined streets. It is the gold standard for established family life.
- East Sacramento: Home to the Fab 40s, this area offers stunning architecture and high community engagement.
- Natomas: A newer development area perfect for professionals who want modern homes and quick access to the airport.
- Elk Grove: Located just south of the city, it offers top-rated schools and extensive park systems.
Our teams at Must Have Movers are experts in navigating these historic streets. We use specialized equipment to protect your furniture from the low-hanging tree canopy common in the older districts. We also assist with obtaining the specific parking permits needed for the narrow streets of Midtown.
How does Must Have Movers manage the 510-mile drive safely?
Driving a heavy truck over the Tejon Pass (The Grapevine) and through the Central Valley requires specialized training. Our drivers at Must Have Movers are experts in California’s high-risk transit zones. We actively monitor for Tule Fog during the winter months, which can reduce visibility to under 10 feet.
We also navigate the ongoing Stockton Channel Viaduct construction, which is slated to continue through 2031. By using Dedicated Trucks, we ensure your shipment never sits in an unsecured lot, which is a major risk for cargo theft in the Central Valley this year. We bring the loading and unloading expertise that ensures your items arrive in perfect condition.
Customer Safety Stories
“I was terrified about moving our entire life to Scripps Ranch on such a tight timeline,” says Patricia R. in a verified Google review. “The Must Have Movers crew arrived early, used floor runners to protect our new hardwoods, and handled every box with extreme care. It was the first time a move didn’t feel like a disaster”. Stories like these from our clients in Chula Vista and Oceanside are why we continue to be the most trusted name in local relocations.
Our crews, including professionals like Chingiz, David, and Anton, are committed to the Must Have standard of excellence every day. We understand that moving 20 employees or a large family home is a daunting task, but we are determined to finish the job safely and efficiently.
San Diego vs. Sacramento Cost of Living Financial Snapshot
- Electricity: 50-54% lower in Sacramento (SMUD).
- Housing: 60% lower in Sacramento median listings.
- Overall CoL: ~18-23% lower in Sacramento.
- Delivery Speed: 24-48 hours via Must Have Movers express routes.
- Protection: New AB 692 laws protect your relocation investment.
People Also Ask
Is Sacramento cheaper than San Diego in 2026?
Yes. Sacramento’s overall cost of living is approximately 18% to 23% lower than San Diego, with the most significant savings found in housing and energy costs.
Why is electricity so cheap in Sacramento?
Sacramento is served by SMUD, a community-owned, not-for-profit utility. Its rates are consistently 50% lower than investor-owned utilities like PG&E or SDG&E.
What is the best month to move to Sacramento to avoid the heat?
Late fall and early spring (October through April) offer the mildest temperatures. Avoid summer moves if possible, as Central Valley temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
Does Must Have Movers offer storage in Sacramento?
Yes. We provide secure, climate-controlled storage solutions for both local and long-distance clients, which is perfect for state employees limited by 60-day reimbursement caps.
Why Trust Must Have Movers?
Must Have Movers is an A+ BBB accredited business based at 2382 Faraday Ave in Carlsbad. We hold active CA PUC T-191308 and USDOT #3826519 licenses, and we carry $1M+ in liability insurance to protect your family. According to our internal 2026 data, we have completed over 750 five-star relocations across California. We don’t use contractors; we use a dedicated team of professionals who treat your move like a Must Have experience.
Final Pro-Tip for the SMUD Transition
The moment you sign your new lease or mortgage in Roseville or Midtown, call SMUD. They require a 48-hour window for activation. Don’t wait until moving day—you want that air conditioning running the second we open the truck doors! This simple step can save you from a very hot first night in the City of Trees.
Ready to start your more affordable life in Sacramento? Don’t settle for shared movers who take two weeks. Get the direct, 24-hour delivery you deserve.
