Santa Rosa, CA

Very High · 172

California · Population 177,216 · Updated March 2026

$2,084
Median Rent / Month
$97,410
Median Income
$685,000
Median Home Value
$2,130
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Santa Rosa

25.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$25,008
Annual Rent
$12,956
State Income Tax
$4,864
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Santa Rosa has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 172 (where 100 equals the national median), Santa Rosa residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,084/month while earning a median household income of $97,410/year.

The median home value in Santa Rosa, CA is $685,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,130 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.7%, Santa Rosa falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Santa Rosa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Santa Rosa

What is the cost of living in Santa Rosa, CA?
The cost of living index in Santa Rosa, CA is 172 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,084, median household income is $97,410/year, and the median home value is $685,000.
Is Santa Rosa, CA affordable?
No, Santa Rosa is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 172. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Santa Rosa, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Rosa, CA is $2,084 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $25,008.
What is the median household income in Santa Rosa?
The median household income in Santa Rosa, CA is $97,410 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.

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