Is Portland, OR cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 16.4% cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA. This translates to saving $1228 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Rosa, CA, you'd need approximately $135,263.706 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Portland, OR is 32.2% cheaper than in Santa Rosa, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,928/month in Santa Rosa, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $1228 per month, or $14736 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Rosa, CA vs Portland, OR: 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 $1.2K/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.3K in Portland, OR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,228

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.7K

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

(16% below avg)

Median Home:$535K

Santa Rosa, CA

The Golden State

176K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Rosa, CA vs Portland, OR

Category	Santa Rosa, CA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,939/mo	$4,704/mo	↓ $2,236less	32.2%
Other	$1,479/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $446more	30.1%
All Utilities	$398/mo	$475/mo	↑ $77.36more	19.4%
Groceries	$1,030/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $39.53more	3.8%
Healthcare	$627/mo	$663/mo	↑ $35.51more	5.7%
Transportation	$1,703/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $18.05more	1.1%

Housing

↓ 32.2%

Santa Rosa, CA

$6,939

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$2,236

less

Other

↑ 30.1%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,479

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$446

All Utilities

↑ 19.4%

Santa Rosa, CA

$398

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$77.36

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,030

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$39.53

Healthcare

↑ 5.7%

Santa Rosa, CA

$627

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$35.51

Transportation

↑ 1.1%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,703

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$18.05

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Santa Rosa, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,331

To$1,555

↑ $224

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$1,655

↑ $186

2 Bed

From$1,928

To$1,900

↓ $28.00

3 Bed

From$2,649

To$2,590

↓ $59.00

Santa Rosa, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,940–$2,470/mo

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$1,620

Difference

Home Values

Santa Rosa

Portland

$713K

Median Value

$535K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +12.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$620K - $797K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 25% less expensive than Santa Rosa

Calculate payment - Santa Rosa Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$407

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

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

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

Additional Tax Information

Santa Rosa, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.