Austin, TX vs Santa Ana, CA: 134 vs 163

$1,655/mo ↓ 16%

Median Rent

$1,975/mo ↑ 19%

$91,461/yr ↑ 4%

Median Income

$88,354/yr ↓ 3%

$512,700 ↓ 22%

Home Value

$657,800 ↑ 28%

$1,747/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,965/mo ↑ 12%

967,862

Population

311,639

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $3,107/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Austin or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Austin and Santa Ana?

Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $320/month.

Which city has higher income, Austin or Santa Ana?

Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $3,107/year higher in Austin.

How do taxes compare between Texas and California?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Austin or Santa Ana?

It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Austin

Santa Ana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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