Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Santa Clara, CA
The 100 mi from Santa Rosa to Santa Clara translate to about 2h 4m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
100 mi Β· 2h 4m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 880, US 101, I 580 |
| Major cities en route | Richmond, Vallejo, Fairfield, Concord, Berkeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Santa Rosa | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 107.784 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.777 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 139.569 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Santa Rosa (107.784) and Santa Clara (110.423) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Santa Clara: 2.4% above Santa Rosa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Santa Rosa -2.2%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Santa Rosa | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 31.5" | 13.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANTA ROSA, CA US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Santa Rosa | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,216 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $97,410 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 40.5 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.66 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 2.4% between Santa Rosa and Santa Clara (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Santa Rosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 2.4% higher than Santa Rosa (110.423 vs 107.784, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Santa Rosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $51,670 in the Santa Rosa MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 206,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Santa Rosa vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $97,410 in Santa Rosa β a 78.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Santa Rosa to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 100 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Santa Rosa, CA?
The driving distance is 100 mi and the route typically takes 2h 4m via I 880 and US 101. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Santa Rosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $718,726 in Santa Rosa β a 148.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Santa Rosa.
City profiles: Santa Rosa, CA Β· Santa Clara, CA.