Santa Rosa, CA vs Fairfield, CA: 172 vs 167

$2,084/mo ↓ 5%

Median Rent

$2,191/mo ↑ 5%

$97,410/yr ↓ 5%

Median Income

$102,321/yr ↑ 5%

$685,000 ↑ 16%

Home Value

$592,500 ↓ 14%

$2,130/mo ↓ 4%

Owner Costs

$2,226/mo ↑ 5%

177,216

Population

119,985

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $4,911/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Fairfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Fairfield?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $107/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Fairfield?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $4,911/year higher in Fairfield.

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 Fairfield?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Fairfield

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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