Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Santa Ana is 143% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,975/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 45%
$88,354/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 40%
$657,800 ↑ 304%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 75%
$1,965/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 46%
311,639
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $888/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $10,656/year.

Median household income is $35,220/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Augusta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Augusta — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Augusta?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $888/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Augusta?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $35,220/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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