Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Anaheim is 41% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,082/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 43%
$90,583/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 92%
$771,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 98%
$2,165/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 41%
344,553
Population
129,239

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $903/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $10,836/year.

Median household income is $83,087/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Anaheim or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $903/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $83,087/year higher in Santa Clara.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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