Uprootmap
Santa Cruz vs Santa Rosa
Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa
Photo: Stepheng3 ( talk ) / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Santa Rosa are under the US rate in this release, 2.4 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa
In 2022-2023, 91 households filed a move from Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa (about 128 people, average adjusted gross income $85,110). 68 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,638 in Santa Cruz and $2,100 in Santa Rosa. Santa Cruz has a state tax on wages. Santa Rosa has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Santa Rosa is 104% of the national level for the same work, against 98% in Santa Cruz.
Santa Rosa averages 244 sunny days, with July highs around 86°F and January nights around 42°F. Santa Cruz is 247 sunny days, 77°F in July, 44°F in January. Commutes average 25 minutes in Santa Rosa and 27 in Santa Cruz.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 91 households moved Santa Cruz → Santa Rosa (about 128 people, average AGI $85,110). 68 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 139 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,650–$3,150
- Container or pod
- $1,150–$2,100
- Rent a truck
- $400–$800
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Dig into Santa Rosa
Questions
Is Santa Rosa cheaper than Santa Cruz after tax and rent?
Yes. Santa Rosa leaves about $453 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,638 in Santa Cruz and $2,100 in Santa Rosa.
Does Santa Rosa have state income tax?
Santa Rosa is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.