Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Santa Ana is 123% more expensive than High Point.

$1,975/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 46%
$88,354/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 31%
$657,800 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 68%
$1,965/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 45%
311,639
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $913/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $10,956/year.

Median household income is $27,126/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs High Point — common questions

Is Santa Ana or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and High Point?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $913/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or High Point?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $27,126/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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