Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Santa Ana is 72% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$1,975/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↓ 24%
$88,354/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 29%
$657,800 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 60%
$1,965/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 32%
311,639
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Lehigh Acres, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $26,024/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lehigh Acres residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $26,024/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and Lehigh Acres

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