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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Arlington is 18% more expensive than Santa Rosa.

$2,275/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↓ 8%
$140,160/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↓ 31%
$864,800 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$685,000 ↓ 21%
$2,414/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↓ 12%
235,463
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $42,750/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Arlington 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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $42,750/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Santa Rosa

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga