Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Jacksonville is 44% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,375/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 44%
$66,981/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 32%
$266,100 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 147%
$1,324/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 48%
961,739
Population
311,639

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $21,373/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $21,373/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jacksonville and Santa Ana

Jacksonville vs. Austin Jacksonville vs. Fort Worth Jacksonville vs. San Jose Jacksonville vs. Columbus Jacksonville vs. Dallas Jacksonville vs. Charlotte Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul