Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Santa Ana is 143% more expensive than Independence.

$1,975/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 46%
$88,354/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 33%
$657,800 ↑ 295%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 75%
$1,965/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 47%
311,639
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $914/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $10,968/year.

Median household income is $28,874/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Independence — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Independence?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $914/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Independence?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $28,874/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Independence details →

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