Santa Rosa, CA vs Pasadena, CA: 172 vs 220

$2,084/mo ↓ 6%

Median Rent

$2,218/mo ↑ 6%

$97,410/yr ↓ 6%

Median Income

$103,778/yr ↑ 7%

$685,000 ↓ 34%

Home Value

$1,045,000 ↑ 53%

$2,130/mo ↓ 9%

Owner Costs

$2,340/mo ↑ 10%

177,216

Population

136,462

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $6,368/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Pasadena cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 220 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Pasadena?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $134/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Pasadena?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $6,368/year higher in Pasadena.

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 Pasadena?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Pasadena

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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