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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Santa Rosa is 95% more expensive than Hampton.

$2,084/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 35%
$97,410/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 30%
$685,000 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 66%
$2,130/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 37%
177,216
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $29,652/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Hampton — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Hampton?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Hampton?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $29,652/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

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