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

Orange

California
206
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Orange is 33% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,252/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 33%
$116,945/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 49%
$900,700 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 70%
$2,394/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 27%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $733/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $8,796/year.

Median household income is $56,725/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Orange or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $733/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $56,725/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 Orange or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Santa Clara

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City 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