Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Las Vegas is 32% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,456/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 36%
$70,723/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 25%
$395,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 66%
$1,452/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 35%
650,873
Population
311,639

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $17,631/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $17,631/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Las Vegas and Santa Ana

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