Is Ontario, CA cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Ontario, CA is 23.4% cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA. This translates to saving $1759 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Rosa, CA, you'd need approximately $128,895.238 in Ontario, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Ontario, CA is 46.8% cheaper than in Santa Rosa, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,580/month in Ontario, CA compared to $1,928/month in Santa Rosa, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Ontario, CA could save you approximately $1759 per month, or $21105 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Rosa, CA vs Ontario, CA: 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 $1.8K/month moving to Ontario, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.9K in Ontario, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 23.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,759

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.1K

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

Ontario, CA

Population:182K

Cost Index:

(23% below avg)

Median Home:$672K

Santa Rosa, CA

The Golden State

176K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Ontario, CA

The Golden State

182K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 182K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Rosa, CA vs Ontario, CA

Category	Santa Rosa, CA	Ontario, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,939/mo	$3,690/mo	↓ $3,249less	46.8%
Transportation	$1,703/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $455more	26.7%
Other	$1,479/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $245more	16.5%
All Utilities	$398/mo	$557/mo	↑ $159more	40.0%
Healthcare	$627/mo	$551/mo	↓ $76.01less	12.1%
Groceries	$1,030/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $9.55more	0.9%

Housing

↓ 46.8%

Santa Rosa, CA

$6,939

Ontario, CA

$3,690

Difference

$3,249

less

Transportation

↑ 26.7%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,703

Ontario, CA

$2,158

Difference

$455

Other

↑ 16.5%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,479

Ontario, CA

$1,724

Difference

$245

All Utilities

↑ 40.0%

Santa Rosa, CA

$398

Ontario, CA

$557

Difference

$159

Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Santa Rosa, CA

$627

Ontario, CA

$551

Difference

$76.01

less

Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,030

Ontario, CA

$1,039

Difference

$9.55

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,331

To$1,980

↑ $649

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$2,080

↑ $611

2 Bed

From$1,928

To$2,580

↑ $652

3 Bed

From$2,649

To$3,410

↑ $761

Santa Rosa, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,940–$2,470/mo

Ontario, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,240/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

$9,721

Monthly in Ontario, CA

$2,456

Difference

Home Values

Santa Rosa

Ontario

$713K

Median Value

$672K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.9%

↑ +12.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +34.4%

$620K - $797K

Price Range

$623K - $683K

Homes in Ontario are 6% less expensive than Santa Rosa

Calculate payment - Santa Rosa Calculate payment - Ontario

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

Ontario, 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%

Ontario, 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.