2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Charlottesville, VA vs Petaluma, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Petaluma or is it cheaper to live in Charlottesville?
- Petaluma is 44.3% more expensive than Charlottesville.

Which city has more affordable housing, Petaluma or Charlottesville?
- Petaluma housing costs are 105.8% more expensive than Charlottesville housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Charlottesville or is Health Care more affordable in Petaluma.
- Health related expenses are 3.7% more in Petaluma.
 Charlottesville, VAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock151.8100
 Food & Groceries101.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.3100
 Housing136.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$839,600$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock113.1100
 Miscellaneous142.2  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Charlottesville    44 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I have lived in Charlottesville, Albemarle County for 25 years. It USED to be a decent place but in the past 10 years has gone downhill. Rent is TOO high, landlords are  More

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Over 4 years ago

Loved here for 7 years, lots of parks and close proximity to Shenandoah, but that’s where the positives end. High cost of living with extreme income inequality,  More

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Over 4 years ago

Charlottesville resident for 7 years. Plenty of parks, the Rivanna River and trail, and a short drive to Shenandoah National Park means plenty of opportunities for  More

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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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