Cost of Living: Santa Rosa, CA vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Santa Rosa is 58% more expensive than West Valley City.

$2,084/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↓ 31%
$97,410/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↓ 9%
$685,000 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 45%
$2,130/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 31%
177,216
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $639/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $7,668/year.

Median household income is $8,806/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and West Valley City?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $639/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or West Valley City?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $8,806/year higher in Santa Rosa.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Rosa or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Rosa details → View West Valley City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and West Valley City

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