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

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Eugene is 61% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,347/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 55%
$63,836/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 53%
$435,400 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 57%
$1,421/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 50%
177,520
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $33,574/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Eugene or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $33,574/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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.
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