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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Santa Rosa is 67% more expensive than Salem.

$2,084/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 37%
$97,410/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 26%
$685,000 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 44%
$2,130/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 32%
177,216
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $761/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $9,132/year.

Median household income is $25,510/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Salem — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Salem?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $761/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Salem?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $25,510/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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