Santa Rosa, CA vs Murrieta, CA: 172 vs 175

$2,084/mo ↓ 11%

Median Rent

$2,330/mo ↑ 12%

$97,410/yr ↓ 11%

Median Income

$109,780/yr ↑ 13%

$685,000 ↑ 13%

Home Value

$606,900 ↓ 11%

$2,130/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$2,380/mo ↑ 12%

177,216

Population

111,621

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $12,370/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Murrieta cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 175 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Murrieta?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $246/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Murrieta?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $12,370/year higher in Murrieta.

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 Murrieta?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Murrieta

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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