Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Orlando is 48% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,650/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 20%
$69,268/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 28%
$359,000 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 83%
$1,621/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 21%
311,732
Population
311,639

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Orlando, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $19,086/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Orlando or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $19,086/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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.
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