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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Santa Rosa is 5% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$2,084/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 10%
$97,410/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 12%
$685,000 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 1%
$2,130/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 9%
177,216
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $12,101/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $12,101/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Rancho Cucamonga

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Aurora Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove Rancho Cucamonga vs. Elk Grove