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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Santa Rosa is 32% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$2,084/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 29%
$97,410/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 43%
$685,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 69%
$2,130/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 32%
177,216
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $41,916/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $41,916/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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