El Paso, TX vs Santa Ana, CA: 67 vs 163

$1,041/mo ↓ 47%

Median Rent

$1,975/mo ↑ 90%

$58,734/yr ↓ 34%

Median Income

$88,354/yr ↑ 50%

$171,700 ↓ 74%

Home Value

$657,800 ↑ 283%

$1,044/mo ↓ 47%

Owner Costs

$1,965/mo ↑ 88%

678,147

Population

311,639

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $934/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $11,208/year.

Median household income is $29,620/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is El Paso or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Santa Ana?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $934/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Santa Ana?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $29,620/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 El Paso or Santa Ana?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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: El Paso, TX vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

El Paso

Santa Ana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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