Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 7.4% cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA. This translates to saving $553 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Rosa, CA, you'd need approximately $143,369.028 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 24.7% cheaper than in Santa Rosa, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,928/month in Santa Rosa, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $553 per month, or $6631 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Rosa, CA vs San Diego, 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 $553/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$553

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.6K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Santa Rosa, CA

The Golden State

176K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Rosa, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Santa Rosa, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,939/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $1,716less	24.7%
Other	$1,479/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $412more	27.9%
All Utilities	$398/mo	$634/mo	↑ $236more	59.2%
Transportation	$1,703/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $132less	7.8%
Groceries	$1,030/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.52more	4.8%
Healthcare	$627/mo	$638/mo	↑ $10.73more	1.7%

Housing

↓ 24.7%

Santa Rosa, CA

$6,939

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$1,716

less

Other

↑ 27.9%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,479

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$412

All Utilities

↑ 59.2%

Santa Rosa, CA

$398

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$236

Transportation

↓ 7.8%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,703

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$132

less

Groceries

↑ 4.8%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,030

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$49.52

Healthcare

↑ 1.7%

Santa Rosa, CA

$627

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$10.73

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,331

To$2,565

↑ $1,234

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$2,755

↑ $1,286

2 Bed

From$1,928

To$3,360

↑ $1,432

3 Bed

From$2,649

To$4,475

↑ $1,826

Santa Rosa, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,940–$2,470/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$1,140

Difference

Home Values

Santa Rosa

San Diego

$713K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +12.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$620K - $797K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 37% more expensive than Santa Rosa

Calculate payment - Santa Rosa Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.