Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Las Vegas is 35% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,456/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 43%
$70,723/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 38%
$395,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 73%
$1,452/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 47%
650,873
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $26,687/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $26,687/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Vegas and Santa Rosa

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