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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Santa Ana is 47% more expensive than Eugene.

$1,975/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 32%
$88,354/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 28%
$657,800 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$435,400 ↓ 34%
$1,965/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 28%
311,639
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $24,518/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Eugene — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Eugene?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Eugene?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $24,518/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Eugene details →

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