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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

San Francisco is 36% more expensive than Santa Clarita.

$2,419/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 3%
$141,446/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↓ 15%
$1,380,500 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$721,000 ↓ 48%
$2,620/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 1%
836,321
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in San Francisco, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $21,520/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is San Francisco or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $21,520/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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Santa Clarita details →

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