Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs Round Rock, TX (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Santa Rosa is 41% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,084/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 18%
$97,410/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$97,187/yr ≈ Same
$685,000 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 44%
$2,130/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 16%
177,216
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $223/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Round Rock?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Round Rock?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $223/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

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