Raleigh, NC vs Santa Rosa, CA: 110 vs 172

$1,468/mo ↓ 30%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 42%

$82,424/yr ↓ 15%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 18%

$377,800 ↓ 45%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 81%

$1,487/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 43%

470,763

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $14,986/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Raleigh or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $616/month.

Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $14,986/year higher in Santa Rosa.

How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?

North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Raleigh or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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: Raleigh, NC vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Raleigh

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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