Santa Ana, CA

Very High · 163

California · Population 311,639 · Updated March 2026

$1,975
Median Rent / Month
$88,354
Median Income
$657,800
Median Home Value
$1,965
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Santa Ana

26.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$23,700
Annual Rent
$11,751
State Income Tax
$4,670
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Santa Ana has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 163 (where 100 equals the national median), Santa Ana residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,975/month while earning a median household income of $88,354/year.

The median home value in Santa Ana, CA is $657,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,965 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.8%, Santa Ana falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Santa Ana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Santa Ana

What is the cost of living in Santa Ana, CA?
The cost of living index in Santa Ana, CA is 163 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,975, median household income is $88,354/year, and the median home value is $657,800.
Is Santa Ana, CA affordable?
No, Santa Ana is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 163. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Santa Ana, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Ana, CA is $1,975 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,700.
What is the median household income in Santa Ana?
The median household income in Santa Ana, CA is $88,354 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.

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