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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Santa Ana is 73% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,975/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 29%
$88,354/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 36%
$657,800 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 62%
$1,965/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 25%
311,639
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $31,770/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $31,770/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and Bridgeport

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