Average Rent in Santa Rosa, CA↑ Rents rising 15.3% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 485,642
Market Overview
Santa Rosa, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,879/month to $3,960/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $2,089/month — 49% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $102,840/year, spending $2,089/month on a 1-bedroom represents 24% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Santa Rosa Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,740/month, Santa Rosa ranks #9 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 100% of all US cities in our data.
The Santa Rosa Rental Market
The Santa Rosa, CA area has a population of about 485,642 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Santa Rosa, CA have risen by $363/month (15.3%) over the past year, from $2,377 to $2,740. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Rosa, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $83,560. The local median household income of $102,840 exceeds that threshold by $19,280, making Santa Rosa relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Santa Rosa, CA is $719,301, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Santa Rosa's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are South Park ($545,160 median home value), Aston Ave ($551,256 median home value), Corby/Beachwood ($561,002 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Santa Rosa, CA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in CAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,856 | $2,081 | $2,625 | $3,335 | — |
| Santa Ana | $2,352 | $2,454 | $2,903 | $3,927 | — |
| Oakland | $1,937 | $2,201 | $2,682 | $3,432 | — |
| San Francisco | $2,275 | $2,780 | $3,318 | $4,138 | — |
| Riverside | $1,776 | $1,852 | $2,306 | $3,079 | — |
| San Diego | $2,145 | $2,328 | $2,881 | $3,852 | — |
Rent or Buy in Santa Rosa?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Santa Rosa data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $719,301 home at 7% rate
Living in Santa Rosa
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Santa RosaIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in Santa RosaSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in CASee how Santa Rosa ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Santa RosaSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
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