Santa Ana, CA vs Arvada, CO: 163 vs 152

$1,975/mo ↑ 10%

Median Rent

$1,802/mo ↓ 9%

$88,354/yr ↓ 22%

Median Income

$113,396/yr ↑ 28%

$657,800 ↑ 9%

Home Value

$600,800 ↓ 9%

$1,965/mo ≈ Same

Owner Costs

$1,948/mo ≈ Same

311,639

Population

122,835

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $25,042/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Arvada — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Arvada cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Arvada?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $173/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Arvada?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $25,042/year higher in Arvada.

How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Arvada?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Santa Ana

Arvada

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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