Sacramento, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: 132 vs 172

$1,694/mo ↓ 19%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 23%

$83,753/yr ↓ 14%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 16%

$484,600 ↓ 29%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 41%

$1,752/mo ↓ 18%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 22%

524,802

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $13,657/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Sacramento or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $390/month.

Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $13,657/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 Sacramento or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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: Sacramento, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Sacramento

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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