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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Santa Rosa is 50% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$2,084/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 47%
$97,410/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 87%
$685,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 165%
$2,130/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 42%
177,216
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $981/month cheaper in Santa Rosa, saving renters about $11,772/year.

Median household income is $84,452/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $981/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $84,452/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Sunnyvale

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston