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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Jacksonville is 47% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,375/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 52%
$66,981/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 45%
$266,100 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 157%
$1,324/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 61%
961,739
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $30,429/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $30,429/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Santa Rosa

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte 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