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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

San Jose is 29% more expensive than Santa Clarita.

$2,617/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↓ 5%
$141,565/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↓ 15%
$1,187,800 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$721,000 ↓ 39%
$2,775/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↓ 5%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Santa Clarita, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $21,639/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $21,639/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Santa Clarita details →

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