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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Santa Rosa is 69% more expensive than Provo.

$2,084/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 45%
$97,410/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 36%
$685,000 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 36%
$2,130/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 43%
177,216
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $932/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $11,184/year.

Median household income is $34,610/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Provo — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Provo?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $932/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Provo?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $34,610/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

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