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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Santa Rosa is 126% more expensive than Norman.

$2,084/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 49%
$97,410/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 33%
$685,000 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 65%
$2,130/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 47%
177,216
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,020/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $12,240/year.

Median household income is $32,350/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Norman — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Norman?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $1,020/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Norman?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $32,350/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

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