San Diego, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: 197 vs 172

$2,223/mo ↑ 7%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↓ 6%

$104,321/yr ↑ 7%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↓ 7%

$848,500 ↑ 24%

Home Value

$685,000 ↓ 19%

$2,308/mo ↑ 8%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↓ 8%

1,385,061

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $6,911/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is San Diego or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 197 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Diego and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $139/month.

Which city has higher income, San Diego or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $6,911/year higher in San Diego.

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 San Diego or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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: San Diego, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

San Diego

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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