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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Los Angeles is 9% more expensive than Santa Rosa.

$1,879/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 11%
$80,366/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 21%
$879,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$685,000 ↓ 22%
$2,055/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 4%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $17,044/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $17,044/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 Los Angeles or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

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