Santa Rosa, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ: 172 vs 112

$2,084/mo ↑ 42%

Median Rent

$1,463/mo ↓ 30%

$97,410/yr ↑ 53%

Median Income

$63,874/yr ↓ 34%

$685,000 ↑ 74%

Home Value

$393,500 ↓ 43%

$2,130/mo ↑ 38%

Owner Costs

$1,543/mo ↓ 28%

177,216

Population

135,887

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $33,536/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Elizabeth?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $621/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Elizabeth?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $33,536/year higher in Santa Rosa.

How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Rosa or Elizabeth?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Elizabeth

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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