Santa Rosa, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA: 172 vs 228

$2,084/mo ↓ 13%

Median Rent

$2,395/mo ↑ 15%

$97,410/yr ↓ 12%

Median Income

$110,073/yr ↑ 13%

$685,000 ↓ 35%

Home Value

$1,054,700 ↑ 54%

$2,130/mo ↓ 13%

Owner Costs

$2,462/mo ↑ 16%

177,216

Population

110,538

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $12,663/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 228 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Costa Mesa?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $311/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Costa Mesa?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $12,663/year higher in Costa Mesa.

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 Costa Mesa?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Costa Mesa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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