San Diego vs Sacramento: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between San Diego, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,620▲ | $60,413 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.58▲ | $29.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,661 | $43,584▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,177 | $50,232▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,520 | $86,184▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,722 | $113,934▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,350▲ | 900 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between San Diego and Sacramento is $3,207 (5.31%). San Diego's median is +18.65% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $67,061,Sacramento spans $70,350. Sacramento has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($56,861 effective) pays 0.40% more than Sacramento ($56,635 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,620/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,861)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,934)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in San Diego grew -6.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.2% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$67,190 (2019) → $62,680 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$63,450 (2019) → $59,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: San Diego or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Sacramento as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in San Diego vs Sacramento?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov