Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Santa Ana is 106% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,975/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 36%
$88,354/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 40%
$657,800 ↑ 248%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 71%
$1,965/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 37%
311,639
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $706/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $8,472/year.

Median household income is $34,951/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Allentown — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Allentown?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $706/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Allentown?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $34,951/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Allentown details →

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