San Rafael, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Rosa has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Rafael | Santa Rosa | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 238 | 155 | Santa Rosa |
| Housing | 358 ($1,642) | 197 ($1,459) | Santa Rosa |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 146 ($599) | 130 ($533) | Santa Rosa |
| Utilities | 229 ($644) | 149 ($355) | Santa Rosa |
| Healthcare | 229 ($465) | 149 ($256) | Santa Rosa |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Rafael, CA or Santa Rosa, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Rosa, CA is cheaper overall by about 83 index points (San Rafael, CA: 238, Santa Rosa, CA: 155; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Rafael, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $83,300/year in San Rafael, CA and $54,250/year in Santa Rosa, CA to cover basic living costs.