Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Santa Rosa is 136% more expensive than High Point.

$2,084/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 49%
$97,410/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 37%
$685,000 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 69%
$2,130/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 49%
177,216
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,022/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $12,264/year.

Median household income is $36,182/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs High Point — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and High Point?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,022/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or High Point?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $36,182/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View High Point details →

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