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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Elk Grove is 45% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,180/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 37%
$122,229/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 42%
$603,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 153%
$2,227/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 37%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $51,441/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $51,441/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 Elk Grove or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Santa Clara

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville