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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Santa Ana is 19% more expensive than Everett.

$1,975/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↓ 15%
$88,354/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↓ 8%
$657,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$532,300 ↓ 19%
$1,965/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↓ 12%
311,639
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Everett, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $6,852/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Everett — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Everett is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Everett?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Everett?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $6,852/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Everett details →

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