Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Santa Rosa is 31% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,084/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 2%
$97,410/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 11%
$685,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 97%
$2,130/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 10%
177,216
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,148/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Berkeley?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $43/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Berkeley?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $11,148/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Rosa or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Berkeley details →

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