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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Santa Ana is 35% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,975/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 8%
$88,354/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 23%
$657,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 105%
$1,965/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 19%
311,639
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $20,204/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Berkeley?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Berkeley?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $20,204/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Berkeley details →

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