Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA vs Santa Ana, CA (2026)

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

San Francisco is 64% more expensive than Santa Ana.

$2,419/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↓ 18%
$141,446/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↓ 38%
$1,380,500 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$657,800 ↓ 52%
$2,620/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↓ 25%
836,321
Population
311,639

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $53,092/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is San Francisco or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Santa Ana?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $53,092/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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.
View San Francisco details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Santa Ana

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