Santa Rosa, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: 172 vs 137

$2,084/mo ↑ 13%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↓ 12%

$97,410/yr ↑ 15%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↓ 13%

$685,000 ↑ 43%

Home Value

$478,200 ↓ 30%

$2,130/mo ↑ 19%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↓ 16%

177,216

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $12,793/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

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

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $242/month.

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

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $12,793/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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