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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Miami is 25% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,657/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 26%
$59,390/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 64%
$475,200 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 44%
$1,666/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 28%
446,663
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Miami, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $38,020/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Miami or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami is cheaper to live in with an index of 129 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $38,020/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 Miami or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

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Miami vs. Virginia Beach Miami vs. Oakland Miami vs. Long Beach Miami vs. Minneapolis Miami vs. Raleigh Miami vs. Tulsa 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