Cost of Living: Concord vs Santa Rosa (2026)
Concord has a 34% lower overall cost of living than Santa Rosa as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,500/mo in Concord vs $2,200/mo in Santa Rosa — a 32% difference. Concord has a lower state income tax rate (4.5% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Concord is 34% cheaper overall (COL index: 92 vs 140)
- 1BR rent: $1,500/mo in Concord vs $2,200/mo — 32% savings
- Higher median household income: Santa Rosa ($72,000/yr vs $62,000/yr)
- Median home price: $320,000 in Concord vs $680,000 — 53% difference
| Category | Concord North Carolina | Santa Rosa California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,200Best | $1,700 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,500Best | $2,200 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,950Best | $3,000 |
| Median home price | $320KBest | $680K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96Best | 108 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13Best | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $54Best | $68 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $42Best | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $4.60 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $162 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $152 | $148Best |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $62K | $72KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.5%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.3%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $38Best | $52 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $7.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 92Best | 140 |
| Walk score / 100 | 22 | 44Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Concord cheaper than Santa Rosa?
Yes. Concord is 34% cheaper than Santa Rosa based on overall cost of living indices (92 vs 140, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Concord vs Santa Rosa?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Concord is $1,500/month and in Santa Rosa is $2,200/month. Concord is cheaper by 32%.
How much do I need to earn in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Concord?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $114,130/year in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Concord. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Concord or Santa Rosa?
Concord has the lower state income tax rate at 4.5% vs 9.3%. The difference is 4.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Concord to Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Concord offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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