47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
51
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Santa Rosa wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Santa Rosa wins 1–4 overall (51/100)
💰 Santa Rosa is more affordable
💼 Santa Rosa has lower unemployment
🛡️ Santa Rosa has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Santa Rosa — The Verdict
Santa Rosa scores 51/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Santa Rosa has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Santa Rosa has a notably lower disaster history with 33 fewer declarations in 20 years. Santa Rosa may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Santa Rosa are 20% lower — a difference of $160,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Los Angeles saves you $233/month — that's $2,796 per year.
💵
Households in Santa Rosa earn $16,360 more per year (21% higher median income).
🛡️
Santa Rosa has experienced 33 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$661,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$2,024
Median Income
$76,244
$92,604
Santa Rosa edges out Los Angeles on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $160,900. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
5.5%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
4 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
21
Santa Rosa has a markedly lower disaster history — 33 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Santa Rosa: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Santa Rosa is more affordable overall. Home prices are $160,900 lower in Santa Rosa. Monthly rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles vs $2,024 in Santa Rosa.
Does Los Angeles or Santa Rosa have better weather?
Los Angeles scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Los Angeles or Santa Rosa better for finding a job?
Santa Rosa currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 5.5% in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $92,604 in Santa Rosa.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Santa Rosa?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Santa Rosa is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Santa Rosa. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Santa Rosa.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Santa Rosa?
Based on our data, Santa Rosa scores 51.0/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Santa Rosa is more affordable, while Los Angeles has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Santa Rosa?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.