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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Santa Rosa is 39% more expensive than Lancaster.

$2,084/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 19%
$97,410/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 22%
$685,000 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 40%
$2,130/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 18%
177,216
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $21,327/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Lancaster?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Lancaster?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $21,327/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Lancaster details →

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