Santa Ana, CA vs Ontario, CA: 163 vs 152

$1,975/mo ↑ 3%

Median Rent

$1,916/mo ↓ 3%

$88,354/yr ↑ 7%

Median Income

$82,806/yr ↓ 6%

$657,800 ↑ 16%

Home Value

$568,000 ↓ 14%

$1,965/mo ≈ Same

Owner Costs

$1,967/mo ≈ Same

311,639

Population

178,347

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $5,548/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Ontario — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Ontario cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Ontario?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $59/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Ontario?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $5,548/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Ontario?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Ana

Ontario

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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