Tempe, AZ vs Santa Rosa, CA: 120 vs 172

$1,623/mo ↓ 22%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 28%

$77,643/yr ↓ 20%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 25%

$421,900 ↓ 38%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 62%

$1,554/mo ↓ 27%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 37%

186,419

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $19,767/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Tempe or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tempe and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $461/month.

Which city has higher income, Tempe or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $19,767/year higher in Santa Rosa.

How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?

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

Should I move to Tempe or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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: Tempe, AZ vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Tempe

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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