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

Corpus Christi

Texas
78
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Corpus Christi is 85% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,230/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 61%
$66,325/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 33%
$197,100 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 234%
$1,225/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 60%
317,383
Population
311,639

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corpus Christi, TX and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $745/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $8,940/year.

Median household income is $22,029/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corpus Christi is $197,100 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Corpus Christi vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Corpus Christi or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corpus Christi and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Corpus Christi is $1,230/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $745/month.
Which city has higher income, Corpus Christi or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $66,325 in Corpus Christi and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $22,029/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Corpus Christi or Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,230/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.
View Corpus Christi details → View Santa Ana details →