Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: 163 vs 172

$1,975/mo ↓ 5%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 6%

$88,354/yr ↓ 9%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 10%

$657,800 ↓ 4%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 4%

$1,965/mo ↓ 8%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 8%

311,639

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $9,056/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $109/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $9,056/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 Santa Ana or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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: Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Santa Ana

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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