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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Santa Rosa is 157% more expensive than Independence.

$2,084/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 49%
$97,410/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 39%
$685,000 ↑ 312%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 76%
$2,130/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 51%
177,216
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,023/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $12,276/year.

Median household income is $37,930/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Independence — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Independence?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,023/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Independence?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $37,930/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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