The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered. We are providing additional data around those topics that can be helpful to gauge your particular situation. The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make living cost comparisons easily and quickly.

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered. We are providing additional data around those topics that can be helpful to gauge your particular situation. The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make living cost comparisons easily and quickly.

Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA

Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA is

45.0% Higher

than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA increase in 2024? Petaluma, CA area prices were up 2.5% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.

By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!

About Petaluma, California Petaluma /pɛtəˈluːmə/ is a city in Sonoma County, in California's Wine Country, part of the North Bay sub-region of the San Francisco Bay Area, locate....More

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while California's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $16 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Petaluma, CA

Cost of Living Calculator

Your Current Title

Your Current Salary

Present Location (Home)

Present Location (Work)

New Location (Home)

New Location (Work)

Re-calculate

Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State	Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA	Compared to national average + 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC	Compared to national average + 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL	Compared to national average + 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL	Compared to national average + 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA	Compared to national average + 53.1%
City, State New York, NY	Compared to national average + 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX	Compared to national average + 7.0%

Cost of Living Petaluma, CA by Expense Category

Category	Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy	Compared to national average + 34.3%
CategoryFood	Compared to national average -11.6%
CategoryHealthcare	Compared to national average -1.3%
CategoryHousing	Compared to national average + 14.2%
CategoryTransportation	Compared to national average + 6.0%

Cost of Living Comparison with Petaluma, CA

If you move to Petaluma from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.

Move From	Move To	Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA	Move ToPetaluma, CA	Cost Of Living Comparision -41.5%
Move FromWashington, DC	Move ToPetaluma, CA	Cost Of Living Comparision -0.2%
Move FromMiami, FL	Move ToPetaluma, CA	Cost Of Living Comparision + 29.6%
Move FromChicago, IL	Move ToPetaluma, CA	Cost Of Living Comparision + 32.6%
Move FromBoston, MA	Move ToPetaluma, CA	Cost Of Living Comparision -8.1%
Move FromNew York, NY	Move ToPetaluma, CA	Cost Of Living Comparision -32.0%
Move FromDallas, TX	Move ToPetaluma, CA	Cost Of Living Comparision + 38.0%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:

If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!

If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.

About Petaluma, CA

Petaluma /pɛtəˈluːmə/ is a city in Sonoma County, in California's Wine Country, part of the North Bay sub-region of the San Francisco Bay Area, located 37 mi (60 km) north of San Francisco. Its population was 57,941 according to the 2010 Census. The Rancho Petaluma Adobe, located in Petaluma, is a National Historic Landmark. Its construction started in 1836 by order of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, then Commandant of the San Francisco Presidio. It was the center of a 66,000 acre (270-km²) ranch stretching from Petaluma River to Sonoma Creek. The adobe is considered one of the best preserv...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

Comments about the Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA

If I plan on eating out occasionally will it be affordable in Petaluma, CA?

Petaluma, California going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food is considered to be affordable. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your overall cost of living in Petaluma, CA. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Petaluma, CA?

Petaluma, CA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in Petaluma, CA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there any tips that will help make the move to Petaluma, California easier for my child?

Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Petaluma, California to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much are average utility costs in Petaluma, California compared to the rest of U.S.?

Electric costs in Petaluma,CA are currently the fifth highest when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in California has gone up about 2.63%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

My kids are important, how much of my cost of living should I estimate I will need to spend on child care in Petaluma, CA?

The estimated average annual cost for child care in Petaluma, California (based on state average), is $11817. This cost is ranked NO. 11 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How do rental housing prices in Petaluma,California impact the overall cost of living?

I am single and live in Petaluma,CA, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $1447 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Petaluma,CA, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What can you do for free in Petaluma, CA?

Looks for areas of Petaluma, California where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Petaluma, CA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Does Petaluma, California have high income or sales taxes that will make the cost of living in Petaluma higher?

The sales tax for Petaluma is 7.25%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Does Petaluma, California have a good climate?

The weather in Petaluma is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Petaluma is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Petaluma, California. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Last Update: 2024-04-24