Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Anaheim is 6% more expensive than Santa Rosa.

$2,082/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ≈ Same
$90,583/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 8%
$771,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$685,000 ↓ 11%
$2,165/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↓ 2%
344,553
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,827/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Anaheim or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $6,827/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Santa Rosa details →

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