Long Beach, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: 169 vs 172

$1,803/mo ↓ 13%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 16%

$83,969/yr ↓ 14%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 16%

$762,200 ↑ 11%

Home Value

$685,000 ↓ 10%

$1,890/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 13%

458,491

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $13,441/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Long Beach or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $281/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $13,441/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 Long Beach or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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: Long Beach, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Long Beach

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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