Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Santa Rosa is 42% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,084/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 26%
$97,410/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 17%
$685,000 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 36%
$2,130/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 23%
177,216
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $532/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $6,384/year.

Median household income is $16,321/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $532/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $16,321/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Ann Arbor details →

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