Santa Rosa, CA vs Visalia, CA: 172 vs 104

$2,084/mo ↑ 49%

Median Rent

$1,397/mo ↓ 33%

$97,410/yr ↑ 22%

Median Income

$79,952/yr ↓ 18%

$685,000 ↑ 101%

Home Value

$340,600 ↓ 50%

$2,130/mo ↑ 41%

Owner Costs

$1,509/mo ↓ 29%

177,216

Population

142,649

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Visalia, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $17,458/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Visalia — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Visalia cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Visalia?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $687/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Visalia?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $17,458/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 Visalia?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Rosa

Visalia

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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