Austin, TX vs Santa Rosa, CA: 134 vs 172

$1,655/mo ↓ 21%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 26%

$91,461/yr ↓ 6%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 7%

$512,700 ↓ 25%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 34%

$1,747/mo ↓ 18%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 22%

967,862

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $5,949/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Austin or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Austin and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $429/month.

Which city has higher income, Austin or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $5,949/year higher in Santa Rosa.

How do taxes compare between Texas and California?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Austin or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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.

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

Austin

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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