Is Elk Grove, CA cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Elk Grove, CA is 26.5% cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA. This translates to saving $1987 per month.

What salary do I need in Elk Grove, CA to live like I do in Santa Rosa, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Rosa, CA, you'd need approximately $126,150.215 in Elk Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Rosa, CA and Elk Grove, CA?

Housing in Elk Grove, CA is 53.6% cheaper than in Santa Rosa, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA compared to $1,928/month in Santa Rosa, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Elk Grove, CA could save you approximately $1987 per month, or $23850 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Rosa, CA vs Elk Grove, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $2.0K/month moving to Elk Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.2K in Elk Grove, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 26.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,987

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.8K

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

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:

(26% below avg)

Median Home:$596K

Santa Rosa, CA

The Golden State

176K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Rosa, CA vs Elk Grove, CA

Category	Santa Rosa, CA	Elk Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,939/mo	$3,221/mo	↓ $3,719less	53.6%
Transportation	$1,703/mo	$1,387/mo	↓ $316less	18.5%
Other	$1,479/mo	$1,766/mo	↑ $286more	19.3%
All Utilities	$398/mo	$524/mo	↑ $126more	31.6%
Groceries	$1,030/mo	$1,047/mo	↑ $17.05more	1.7%
Healthcare	$627/mo	$612/mo	↓ $15.16less	2.4%

Housing

↓ 53.6%

Santa Rosa, CA

$6,939

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Difference

$3,719

less

Transportation

↓ 18.5%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,703

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Difference

$316

less

Other

↑ 19.3%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,479

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Difference

$286

All Utilities

↑ 31.6%

Santa Rosa, CA

$398

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Difference

$126

Groceries

↑ 1.7%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,030

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Difference

$17.05

Healthcare

↓ 2.4%

Santa Rosa, CA

$627

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Difference

$15.16

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,331

To$1,602

↑ $271

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$1,677

↑ $208

2 Bed

From$1,928

To$2,063

↑ $135

3 Bed

From$2,649

To$2,743

↑ $94.00

Santa Rosa, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,940–$2,470/mo

Elk Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,040/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

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$3,621

Difference

Home Values

Santa Rosa

Elk Grove

$713K

Median Value

$596K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.6%

↑ +12.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.6%

$620K - $797K

Price Range

$566K - $627K

Homes in Elk Grove are 16% less expensive than Santa Rosa

Calculate payment - Santa Rosa Calculate payment - Elk Grove

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Elk Grove, 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

Additional Tax Information

Santa Rosa, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Elk Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.