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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Santa Rosa is 28% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,084/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 32%
$97,410/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 30%
$685,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 52%
$2,130/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 24%
177,216
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $29,059/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Cambridge?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Cambridge?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $29,059/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Cambridge details →

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