Cost of Living in Santa Rosa, CA 2025

43% | Higher Than National Avg.
3% | Higher Than State Avg.
Santa Rosa's 2025 cost of living is $3544 per month for singles and $7804 per month for families of four. Living costs in Santa Rosa are 43% higher than the U.S. national average and 3% higher than California's state average. This reflects a 3% increase from 2024. The primary drivers of Santa Rosa's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices. See how Santa Rosa's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.

Cost of Living Calculator


How does Santa Rosa's cost of living compare to the national average in 2025?

Living in Santa Rosa is more expensive than the national average, with housing costs 33.3 % higher at $1600 per month for a single person and $2933 per month for a family of four. Food expenses run 27.0 % above average at $508 monthly for an individual and $1651 for a family, while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 9.1 % higher at about $955 per month for one person and $2093 for a household. These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $3063 for a single person and $6677 for a family of four, making Santa Rosa one of America's most expensive cities.
Expense Category Average Monthly Expense Single Person Average Monthly Expense Family of Four Santa Rosa compare to: U.S. Average
Housing
Housing
1600 2933
33.3%
Food
Food
508 1651
27.0%
Energy
Energy
235 403
34.3%
Transportation
Transportation
424 901
6.0%
Healthcare
Healthcare
296 789
-1.3%

How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Santa Rosa?

Santa Rosa's 2025 cost of living is 32% lower than San Francisco, 0% more than Washington, 18% above Miami , 22% higher than Chicago, 7% less than Boston , and 22% below New York. Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Santa Rosa.
Move From Move To Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco, CA Santa Rosa
-32.0%
Washington, DC Santa Rosa
0.0%
Miami, FL Santa Rosa
18.0%
Chicago, IL Santa Rosa
22.0%
Boston, MA Santa Rosa
-7.0%
New York, NY Santa Rosa
-22.0%
Dallas, TX Santa Rosa
25.0%

About Santa Rosa, CA

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 41.50 sq mi (107.5 km2), of which 41.29 sq mi (106.9 km2) is land and 0.205 sq mi (0.5 km2) (0.49%) is water. The city is part of the North Bay region, which includes such cities as Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, and smaller cities as Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol. It lies along the US Route 101 corridor, approximately 55 miles (89 km) north of San Francisco, via the Golden Gate Bridge. Santa Rosa lies on the Santa Rosa Plain. The city's eastern extremities stretch into the Valley of the Moon, and the Sonoma Creek wa...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the cost of living in Santa Rosa, CA

What stores are known for lower grocery prices?

Stores like Costco Wholesale are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Santa Rosa, CA?

Santa Rosa, CA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Santa Rosa, CA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Are there any tips that will help make the move to Santa Rosa, California easier for my child?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

How much are average utility costs in Santa Rosa, California compared to the rest of U.S.?

Electric costs in Santa Rosa,CA are currently the fifth highest when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in California has gone up about 2.63%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

I have a child, how much will child care cost per month in Santa Rosa, California ?

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Santa Rosa child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $11817 per year. California, is ranked NO. 11 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Santa Rosa,CA?

In Santa Rosa,CA, my friend pays $2350 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

How does Santa Rosa, California compare to the rest of U.S. as far as all the taxes that will affect my cost of living?

Good question. Based on Individual income taxes (which you will pay on earnings), Sales taxes (pay for your purchases), property taxes (on your home or indirectly on your rent), unemployment insurance taxes (from your income), and general business taxes (impacting employers ability to offer jobs and good pay), in Santa Rosa, the overall tax climate compared to the rest of the country is the second highest. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Does Santa Rosa, California have a good climate?

The weather in Santa Rosa is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Santa Rosa is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Santa Rosa, California. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )


Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )
The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

See how much you can get when it is an hourly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.

See how much you can get when it is a yearly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Last Update: 2025-07-24