Houston, TX vs Santa Rosa, CA: 88 vs 172

$1,313/mo ↓ 37%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 59%

$62,894/yr ↓ 35%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 55%

$253,400 ↓ 63%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 170%

$1,316/mo ↓ 38%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 62%

2,300,419

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $771/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $9,252/year.

Median household income is $34,516/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Houston or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Houston and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $771/month.

Which city has higher income, Houston or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $34,516/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 Houston or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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: Houston, TX vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Houston

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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