Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Santa Rosa is 45% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,084/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 18%
$97,410/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 29%
$685,000 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 46%
$2,130/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 22%
177,216
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $28,149/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $28,149/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and West Palm Beach

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 West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings