2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Petaluma, CA vs Atascadero, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Atascadero or is it cheaper to live in Petaluma?
- Atascadero is 3.8% less expensive than Petaluma.

Which city has more affordable housing, Atascadero or Petaluma?
- Atascadero housing costs are 22.3% less expensive than Petaluma housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Petaluma or is Health Care more affordable in Atascadero.
- Health related expenses are 1.3% less in Atascadero.
 Petaluma, CAAtascadero, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock146.1100
 Food & Groceries110.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock108.9100
 Housing281.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$696,500$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock96.8100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Petaluma

Reviews for Atascadero    8 Reviews

Moved up here 20 years ago from coastal Southern California and we love it. Home prices are high, and wages do not keep pace, but that’s a problem for all of California.  More

   |    Reply

Over 9 years ago

Have lived on the Central Coast of California for many years, and the area is wonderful with a moderate Med climate and laid back lifestyle. Unfortunately as I near  More

   |    Reply

We moved to Atascadero in 2006 and at that time it was nice, low crime rate. Lots of places to eat and go out. BUT today 2015 is a lot different. The homeless have  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Atascadero


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.