Santa Ana, CA vs Amarillo, TX: 163 vs 69

$1,975/mo ↑ 88%

Median Rent

$1,049/mo ↓ 47%

$88,354/yr ↑ 41%

Median Income

$62,469/yr ↓ 29%

$657,800 ↑ 252%

Home Value

$186,800 ↓ 72%

$1,965/mo ↑ 83%

Owner Costs

$1,074/mo ↓ 45%

311,639

Population

200,945

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $926/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $11,112/year.

Median household income is $25,885/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Amarillo cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Amarillo?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $926/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Amarillo?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $25,885/year higher in Santa Ana.

How do taxes compare between California and Texas?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Amarillo?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Amarillo, TX (2026)

Santa Ana

Amarillo

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Affordability

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