Phoenix, AZ vs Santa Rosa, CA: 109 vs 172

$1,458/mo ↓ 30%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 43%

$77,041/yr ↓ 21%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 26%

$381,900 ↓ 44%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 79%

$1,430/mo ↓ 33%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 49%

1,624,832

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $626/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $7,512/year.

Median household income is $20,369/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Phoenix or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $626/month.

Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $20,369/year higher in Santa Rosa.

How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?

Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Phoenix or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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: Phoenix, AZ vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Phoenix

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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