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

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Rancho Cucamonga is 41% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,286/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 31%
$109,511/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 59%
$694,400 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 120%
$2,324/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 31%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Rancho Cucamonga, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $64,159/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rancho Cucamonga is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $64,159/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 Rancho Cucamonga or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rancho Cucamonga and Santa Clara

Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove 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