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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Oceanside

California
179

Santa Rosa is 4% cheaper than Oceanside.

$2,084/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 6%
$97,410/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↓ 4%
$685,000 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 2%
$2,130/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 5%
177,216
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $3,686/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Oceanside — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Oceanside?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Oceanside?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $3,686/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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Oceanside

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 Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines