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

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Eugene is 64% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,347/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 122%
$63,836/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 172%
$435,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 251%
$1,421/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 115%
177,520
Population
129,239

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,638/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $19,656/year.

Median household income is $109,834/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Eugene or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,638/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $109,834/year higher in Santa Clara.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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