Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Santa Rosa is 81% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,084/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 31%
$97,410/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 45%
$685,000 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 64%
$2,130/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 29%
177,216
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $43,639/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs New Haven — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and New Haven?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or New Haven?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $43,639/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and New Haven

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo