Santa Ana, CA vs Arlington, VA: 163 vs 203

$1,975/mo ↓ 13%

Median Rent

$2,275/mo ↑ 15%

$88,354/yr ↓ 37%

Median Income

$140,160/yr ↑ 59%

$657,800 ↓ 24%

Home Value

$864,800 ↑ 31%

$1,965/mo ↓ 19%

Owner Costs

$2,414/mo ↑ 23%

311,639

Population

235,463

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $51,806/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Arlington — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Arlington cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 203 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Arlington?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $300/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Arlington?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $51,806/year higher in Arlington.

How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Arlington?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Santa Ana

Arlington

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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