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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Glendale is 24% more expensive than Santa Rosa.

$2,095/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ≈ Same
$84,262/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 16%
$1,043,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$685,000 ↓ 34%
$2,212/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↓ 4%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,148/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Glendale 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 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $13,148/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 Glendale or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Santa Rosa

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville 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