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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

San Antonio is 52% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,258/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 66%
$62,917/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 55%
$219,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 212%
$1,235/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 72%
1,458,954
Population
177,216

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $826/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $9,912/year.

Median household income is $34,493/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is San Antonio or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $826/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $34,493/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 San Antonio or Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Santa Rosa

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia San Antonio vs. San Diego San Antonio vs. Phoenix San Antonio vs. Dallas San Antonio vs. Houston San Antonio vs. San Jose 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