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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Los Angeles is 39% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,879/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 59%
$80,366/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 116%
$879,500 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 74%
$2,055/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 48%
3,857,897
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,106/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $13,272/year.

Median household income is $93,304/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,106/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $93,304/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Santa Clara

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville