Long Beach, CA vs Santa Ana, CA: 169 vs 163

$1,803/mo ↓ 9%

Median Rent

$1,975/mo ↑ 10%

$83,969/yr ↓ 5%

Median Income

$88,354/yr ↑ 5%

$762,200 ↑ 16%

Home Value

$657,800 ↓ 14%

$1,890/mo ↓ 4%

Owner Costs

$1,965/mo ↑ 4%

458,491

Population

311,639

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $4,385/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Long Beach or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Santa Ana?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $172/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Santa Ana?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $4,385/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Long Beach or Santa Ana?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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: Long Beach, CA vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Long Beach

Santa Ana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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