San Rafael vs Santa Cruz: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | San Rafael | Santa Cruz | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,062 | $1,973 | +4% |
| Median household income | $119,435 | $115,475 | +3% |
| Grocery cost index | 106.1 | 106.1 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $313 | $313 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$72,254
- Difference
- -$7,746