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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Santa Ana is 28% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,975/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 23%
$88,354/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 36%
$657,800 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 59%
$1,965/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 24%
311,639
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $449/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $5,388/year.

Median household income is $31,531/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $449/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $31,531/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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