Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Santa Rosa is 26% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,084/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 20%
$97,410/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 14%
$685,000 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 20%
$2,130/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 21%
177,216
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $13,812/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $13,812/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Fort Collins

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