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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Ontario is 50% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,916/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 56%
$82,806/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 110%
$568,000 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 169%
$1,967/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 55%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,069/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $12,828/year.

Median household income is $90,864/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Ontario or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,069/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $90,864/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 Ontario or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Santa Clara

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa 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