Santa Rosa, CA vs Surprise, AZ: 172 vs 126

$2,084/mo ↑ 9%

Median Rent

$1,917/mo ↓ 8%

$97,410/yr ↑ 4%

Median Income

$93,371/yr ↓ 4%

$685,000 ↑ 73%

Home Value

$396,000 ↓ 42%

$2,130/mo ↑ 34%

Owner Costs

$1,587/mo ↓ 25%

177,216

Population

149,519

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $4,039/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Surprise — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Surprise cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Surprise?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $167/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Surprise?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $4,039/year higher in Santa Rosa.

How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Rosa or Surprise?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Surprise

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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