Santa Rosa, CA vs Santa Clara, CA: 172 vs 307

$2,084/mo ↓ 30%

Median Rent

$2,985/mo ↑ 43%

$97,410/yr ↓ 44%

Median Income

$173,670/yr ↑ 78%

$685,000 ↓ 55%

Home Value

$1,527,900 ↑ 123%

$2,130/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$3,051/mo ↑ 43%

177,216

Population

129,239

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $901/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $10,812/year.

Median household income is $76,260/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 307 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Santa Clara?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $901/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Santa Clara?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $76,260/year higher in Santa Clara.

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 Santa Clara?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Santa Clara

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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