Seattle, WA vs Santa Rosa, CA: 196 vs 172

$1,998/mo ↓ 4%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 4%

$121,984/yr ↑ 25%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↓ 20%

$912,100 ↑ 33%

Home Value

$685,000 ↓ 25%

$2,220/mo ↑ 4%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↓ 4%

741,440

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $24,574/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Seattle or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 196 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Seattle and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $86/month.

Which city has higher income, Seattle or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $24,574/year higher in Seattle.

How do taxes compare between Washington and California?

Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Seattle or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Seattle

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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