Roseville, CA: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

1. Roseville: The Data Profile (2026)

Roseville presents a distinct economic anomaly within the Greater Sacramento metropolitan area. The city supports a population of 159,126, characterized by a highly educated workforce where 44.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%. This educational attainment drives a robust median household income of $107,888, which is 44.7% higher than the national median of $74,580. However, the cost of living index reflects this premium, specifically in housing, which sits at 118.6 (an 18.6% premium over the national average).

Target Demographic: The statistical target for Roseville in the post-remote era is the "hybrid affluential"—households earning between $110,000 and $150,000 who require proximity to Sacramento offices 1-2 days a week but prioritize suburban safety and school quality for their children.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While the median income is high, the cost structure reveals specific pressure points. Utilities are the most significant outlier; electricity costs average 31.97 cents/kWh, nearly double the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. Conversely, groceries are slightly below average at an index of 98.9.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: A single earner making the median income ($107,888 / $8,990 monthly gross) retains approximately $6,500 after taxes. After the $3,100 monthly expenditure, the disposable surplus is roughly $3,400, offering strong savings potential despite the housing premium. Families face tighter margins due to the $2,800 housing requirement for a 3-bedroom unit.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Roseville is defined by a "buy-in" premium. While rents are high, they are somewhat stabilized by the area's inventory. However, purchasing a home requires significant capital. The Price-to-Rent ratio suggests that for long-term residents (5+ years), buying remains the financially superior option, provided the $2,255 rent can be leveraged as a mortgage payment.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict: At a median home price of $685,000, a 20% down payment requires $137,000 upfront. The monthly mortgage (at 6.5% interest) exceeds $3,400, which is $600 more than the average 3-bedroom rent. However, given the 44.7% income premium over the US average, Roseville is a "Buyer's Market" for locals, but a "Rent Trap" for transplants lacking immediate capital.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic landscape is heavily influenced by the post-remote Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates. Roseville serves as a bedroom community for Sacramento, located approximately 20 miles south of the state capital. Average commute times have increased to 28 minutes (up from 24 minutes in 2022) due to congestion on I-80.

Unemployment Analysis: The unemployment rate is a critical red flag at 5.5%, which is 37.5% higher than the national average of 4.0%. This suggests a labor market that is still catching up to the population growth, or a mismatch between local skills and available roles. Stability is anchored by healthcare (Sutter Health) and retail sectors, but high-tech roles remain concentrated in Sacramento or the Bay Area.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Roseville scores high on livability metrics, particularly regarding health outcomes and air quality. The city's Health Score of 84.1/100 is driven by a low smoking rate of 9.5% (vs. 14.0% US) and an obesity rate of 27.2% (vs. 31.9% US).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is exceptionally low at 234/100k (vs. 380/100k US average), making it a statistically safe haven. Property crime is average at 2123/100k.
• Air Quality: With an AQI of 50 and PM2.5 levels of 7.1 µg/m³, Roseville ranks in the top tier of US cities for air purity, largely due to its distance from major coastal smog basins.
• Weather: Currently, the area is experiencing winter conditions with a high of 53°F and a low of 35°F. The region offers a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters, distinct from the foggy coast.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Power: Median earnings of $107,888 provide significant purchasing power against local costs.
• Safety: Violent crime is 38.4% lower than the national average.
• Health: Superior health metrics (84.1 score) and clean air (AQI 50).
• Education: High concentration of college-educated peers (44.3%).

Cons:

• Housing Premium: Home prices are 63.1% higher than the US average.
• Unemployment: Job market is tighter than average (5.5% unemployment).
• Electricity Costs: Utilities are nearly 100% more expensive than the national average.

Recommendation:
Roseville is a high-potential relocation target for stable dual-income households. It is less viable for remote workers earning national-average salaries due to the housing premium. If you have secured employment in the Sacramento region requiring hybrid attendance and value suburban safety over urban density, Roseville is a top-tier choice for 2026.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Roseville?
For a single person, a salary of $80,000 is the baseline for "comfortable" living (including savings). For a family, a combined income of $140,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate after housing and childcare costs.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Sacramento?
Roseville costs roughly 18.6% more for housing than Sacramento proper, but offers a 44.7% higher median income and significantly lower crime rates. You are paying a premium for safety and school district quality.

3. Is the property crime rate actually dangerous?
No. While the property crime rate of 2123/100k matches the national average, it is composed mostly of theft-from-vehicle incidents. Violent crime remains critically low at 234/100k.

4. Is the electricity cost a dealbreaker?
It is a budgeting shock. Expect a monthly bill of $320 for a family home in summer (AC usage) versus the $160 US average. Solar panel installation is statistically standard on homes built after 2018; verify this before buying.