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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Riverside is 16% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,812/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 15%
$88,575/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 10%
$542,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 26%
$1,880/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 13%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $8,835/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Riverside or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $8,835/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 Riverside or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Santa Rosa details →

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