Cost of Living in Santa Rosa, CA
Population 177,216 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Santa Rosa run well above the national baseline, with a median of $685,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $97,410 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Rosa
The median home value in Santa Rosa is $685,000 — 125% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,084/month, 59% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,410/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Santa Rosa has a cost of living index of 198 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 98% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Rosa, CA?
Santa Rosa has a cost index of 198 (100 = national average). It is 98% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Rosa, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Rosa?
The median home value in Santa Rosa is $685,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Rosa?
The median household income in Santa Rosa is $97,410 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Rosa, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Rosa is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Rosa, CA affordable?
Santa Rosa is above average in cost of living, with an index of 198 — about 98% higher than the national average.
Santa Rosa at a Glance
- Population
- 177,216
- Median Income
- $97,410
- Home Value
- $685,000
- Median Rent
- $2,084/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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