Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Los Angeles is 15% more expensive than Santa Ana.

$1,879/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 5%
$80,366/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 10%
$879,500 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$657,800 ↓ 25%
$2,055/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↓ 4%
3,857,897
Population
311,639

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $7,988/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $7,988/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 Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Santa Ana

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