Houston, TX vs Santa Ana, CA: 88 vs 163

$1,313/mo ↓ 34%

Median Rent

$1,975/mo ↑ 50%

$62,894/yr ↓ 29%

Median Income

$88,354/yr ↑ 40%

$253,400 ↓ 61%

Home Value

$657,800 ↑ 160%

$1,316/mo ↓ 33%

Owner Costs

$1,965/mo ↑ 49%

2,300,419

Population

311,639

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $25,460/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Houston or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Houston and Santa Ana?

Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $662/month.

Which city has higher income, Houston or Santa Ana?

Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $25,460/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 Houston or Santa Ana?

It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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: Houston, TX vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Houston

Santa Ana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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