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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Santa Rosa is 72% more expensive than Denton.

$2,084/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 36%
$97,410/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 24%
$685,000 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 52%
$2,130/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 31%
177,216
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $23,691/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Denton — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Denton?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Denton?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $23,691/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Denton

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 Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe