If you are a connoisseur of fine wines, you know that Santa Rosa in Sonoma County is the place to be.

The rolling vineyards, perfect climate and fertile soil make it a paradise for anyone passionate about wine. But aside from the idyllic scenery and fertile soil, is life in Santa Rosa, California affordable?

San Francisco, located south of Santa Rosa, is one of the most expensive cities in the country, so it’s natural to wonder if Santa Rosa manages to escape the high price tag that so often comes with the California lifestyle.

If you’re hoping the cost of living in Santa Rosa, California won’t rise that high, you’re wrong. The cost of living in Santa Rosa is about 40% higher than the national average.

That’s right. Enjoying life in this charming wine town comes at a price. But before you let that 40% figure scare you, let’s look at what that means for your daily spending in Santa Rosa.

Housing costs

Whether you want to rent or buy, you will find many options here, from apartments to condos. However, you will have to accept the increase in property values ​​here.

In the first quarter of 2024, real estate prices in Santa Rosa increased by 8.14%. Although this is a decrease from 9.81% in the last quarter of 2023, it is still a strong indicator of the market’s upward trend.

• Average rent: $2,275
• Median home value: $589,500

Although the cost of owning a home is higher than the state and national average, it is not prohibitive. After all, many residents (about 45%) can afford to own a home in Santa Rosa.

Bedroom type	Average monthly rent
studio	1,907 USD
1 bedroom	1,962 USD
2 bedrooms	$2,511
3+ bedrooms	$3,410

Note:

What you pay depends on the neighborhood you want to live in. With the Moving companies in Santa Rosa and the right real estate agents, you can easily navigate this competitive market and move to the next neighborhood at any time.

Tools

Utilities in Santa Rosa are fairly standard compared to the rest of California. However, in the summer, air conditioning can drive up your electric bill. While this isn’t a problem, it’s something to factor into your budget.

Living in Santa Rosa means you’ll spend $231 a month on basic necessities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection.

Additionally, you may have to spend another $73 per month for a decent internet connection. Your monthly phone bill can average $52, depending on the plan you choose.

Eat

The food scene in Santa Rosa is something to talk about. Since Santa Rosa is a major producer, you can find food that’s priced and quality right at both farmers’ markets and gourmet restaurants.

But let’s talk numbers. Groceries in Santa Rosa cost more than the national average. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs an average of $20. However, if you order a three-course meal at a mid-priced establishment, expect to pay about $80 for two courses.

Since you are in the heart of wine country, you should budget an average of $15 for the occasional purchase of a mid-range local wine.

Groceries	Cost
Bread	$5.01
Milk (1 gallon)	$1.14
Eggs (dozen)	5,00 €
Cheese (1kg)	$18.68
Minced meat	$20.19
Chicken fillet (1kg)	11,92 €
Bananas (1kg)	2,91 €
Coffee	$4.71

Healthcare

Santa Rosa has 222 doctors per 100,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 210 per 100,000 residents, meaning the quality of healthcare here is better than the national average.

And that’s not all! The cost is even lower, 7.9% less than the average American pays.

However, if you pay for your health insurance out of pocket, expect to pay about $500 per month for a decent plan. That’s a bit much compared to the national average of $477.

Nevertheless, Santa Rosa can convince in terms of health quality.

Training

If you have children, education should be at the top of your list.

The good news is that Santa Rosa offers a variety of public and private schools. Public school education is funded by taxes, so you don’t pay tuition.

However, private school costs can range from $10,000 to $40,000 per year.

Note:

The monthly cost of preschool for a child in Santa Rosa is approximately $1,866.

transport

When it comes to getting around, transportation costs can add up to the cost of living in Santa Rosa, CA.

For private drivers, gas prices in Santa Rosa are typically around $5.18 per gallon, higher than the national average.

When you add in the cost of vehicle maintenance and insurance (an average of about $1,243 per year), it adds up to a significant amount.

However, if you prefer public transportation, a monthly pass for Santa Rosa CityBus, Sonoma County Transit or Golden Gate Transit costs an average of $30, making it a cost-effective alternative to driving.

A single ticket costs only about $2.75.

Goods and services

Living in Santa Rosa isn’t just about the essentials. You want to enjoy the finer things, too. Those extras can add up, whether it’s going to the gym, getting a haircut, or going to the movies.

These little things may seem insignificant, but they can add up over time, so it’s good to keep them in mind when planning your budget.

Goods and services	Cost
Jean	57,50 €
Cinema ticket	$13.50
Gym membership	$50
A dress	$43.25
Running shoes	$113.71

Income and employment opportunities

It’s no surprise that Santa Rosa offers a variety of employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare, education and the wine industry.

But are these opportunities and the income they bring justified when compared to the cost of living in Santa Rosa?

The median household income in Santa Rosa is higher than the national average.

And if you work in a specialized field, you’ll find that salaries here are quite competitive – this helps offset the higher cost of living.

• Median household income: $92,604
• Unemployment rate: 4.0%
• Poverty rate: 10%

Note:

After taxes, the average monthly salary is $5,025.

Tax rate

California is known for its sunshine, celebrities and high taxes, and Santa Rosa is no exception to this “Golden State” rule.

Income tax alone can make up a large portion of your salary, with rates as high as 10.55%. The range is from 1.25% to 10.55%, depending on your income bracket.

Another shock, however, is the 9.25% sales tax that Santa Rosa imposes on its residents. This means you’ll have to pay more for everything from groceries to your new pair of shoes.

Conclusion – Cost of Living in Santa Rosa, CA

Maybe you’ve dreamed of spending your retirement in Santa Rosa, drinking wine and enjoying the stunning scenery.

While this is a tempting and costly vision, it is not an impossible goal – you just need to be prepared for the cost of living in Santa Rosa, CA.

The area’s charm is undeniable, but it’s important to consider housing costs, utilities, and everyday expenses. Smart savings strategies like maximizing your 401(k) contributions, setting up a dedicated savings fund, or exploring investment opportunities can help.

So, do the math and start the journey to secure your future in Santa Rosa.