Santa Ana, CA vs Palmdale, CA: 163 vs 130

$1,975/mo ↑ 14%

Median Rent

$1,736/mo ↓ 12%

$88,354/yr ↑ 9%

Median Income

$81,151/yr ↓ 8%

$657,800 ↑ 51%

Home Value

$435,300 ↓ 34%

$1,965/mo ↑ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,831/mo ↓ 7%

311,639

Population

165,487

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $7,203/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Palmdale cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Palmdale?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $239/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Palmdale?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $7,203/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 Palmdale?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Ana

Palmdale

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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