El Paso, TX vs Santa Rosa, CA: 67 vs 172

$1,041/mo ↓ 50%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 100%

$58,734/yr ↓ 40%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 66%

$171,700 ↓ 75%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 299%

$1,044/mo ↓ 51%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 104%

678,147

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,043/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $12,516/year.

Median household income is $38,676/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is El Paso or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,043/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $38,676/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 El Paso or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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: El Paso, TX vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

El Paso

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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