Cost of Living: Santa Rosa vs Rochester (2026)
Rochester has a 57% lower overall cost of living than Santa Rosa as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,300/mo in Rochester vs $2,200/mo in Santa Rosa — a 69% difference. Rochester has a lower state income tax rate (6.9% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Rochester is 57% cheaper overall (COL index: 140 vs 89)
- 1BR rent: $1,300/mo in Rochester vs $2,200/mo — 41% savings
- Higher median household income: Santa Rosa ($72,000/yr vs $52,000/yr)
- Median home price: $205,000 in Rochester vs $680,000 — 70% difference
| Category | Santa Rosa California | Rochester New York |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,700 | $1,050Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $2,200 | $1,300Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $3,000 | $1,700Best |
| Median home price | $680K | $205KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 108 | 99Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $16 | $14Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $68 | $55Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $72 | $65Best |
| Gas price/gal | $4.60 | $3.35Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $162Best | $165 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $148Best | $180 |
| Internet/mo | $68 | $65Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $72KBest | $52K |
| State income tax% | 9.3% | 6.9%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.5% | 8.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $15.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $52 | $40Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.50 | $6.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 140 | 89Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 44 | 58Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Rosa cheaper than Rochester?
No. Rochester is 57% cheaper than Santa Rosa based on overall cost of living indices (89 vs 140, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Santa Rosa vs Rochester?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Santa Rosa is $2,200/month and in Rochester is $1,300/month. Santa Rosa is more expensive by 69%.
How much do I need to earn in Rochester to match a $75,000 salary in Santa Rosa?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $47,679/year in Rochester to match a $75,000 salary in Santa Rosa. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Santa Rosa or Rochester?
Rochester has the lower state income tax rate at 6.9% vs 9.3%. The difference is 2.4 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Santa Rosa to Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester 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
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.