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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Santa Rosa is 83% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$2,084/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 33%
$97,410/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 42%
$685,000 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 63%
$2,130/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 31%
177,216
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $40,826/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $40,826/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Bridgeport

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 Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton