Is Boston, MA cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 4.2% cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA. This translates to saving $311 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Santa Rosa, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Rosa, CA, you'd need approximately $146,263.786 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Rosa, CA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 24.0% cheaper than in Santa Rosa, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,928/month in Santa Rosa, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Boston, MA?

Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $311 per month, or $3736 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Rosa, CA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Santa Rosa, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $311/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.3K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$311

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Santa Rosa, CA

Population:176K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$713K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Santa Rosa, CA

The Golden State

176K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 176K residents.

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Rosa, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Santa Rosa, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,939/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $1,664less	24.0%
Other	$1,479/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $345more	23.3%
All Utilities	$398/mo	$716/mo	↑ $318more	79.8%
Transportation	$1,703/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $127more	7.5%
Healthcare	$627/mo	$743/mo	↑ $116more	18.5%
Groceries	$1,030/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.52more	4.8%

Housing

↓ 24.0%

Santa Rosa, CA

$6,939

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,664

less

Other

↑ 23.3%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,479

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$345

All Utilities

↑ 79.8%

Santa Rosa, CA

$398

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$318

Transportation

↑ 7.5%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,703

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$127

Healthcare

↑ 18.5%

Santa Rosa, CA

$627

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$116

Groceries

↑ 4.8%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,030

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$49.52

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,331

To$3,095

↑ $1,764

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$3,255

↑ $1,786

2 Bed

From$1,928

To$3,865

↑ $1,937

3 Bed

From$2,649

To$4,630

↑ $1,981

Santa Rosa, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,940–$2,470/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,177

Monthly in Santa Rosa, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$708

Difference

Home Values

Santa Rosa

Boston

$713K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +12.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$620K - $797K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 35% more expensive than Santa Rosa

Calculate payment - Santa Rosa Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Santa Rosa, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Santa Rosa, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.