Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Plano is 23% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,792/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 16%
$108,649/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↓ 10%
$440,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 55%
$1,829/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 16%
287,339
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $11,239/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Plano or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $11,239/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Santa Rosa

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison 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