Santa Ana, CA vs Plano, TX: 163 vs 132

$1,975/mo ↑ 10%

Median Rent

$1,792/mo ↓ 9%

$88,354/yr ↓ 19%

Median Income

$108,649/yr ↑ 23%

$657,800 ↑ 49%

Home Value

$440,600 ↓ 33%

$1,965/mo ↑ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,829/mo ↓ 7%

311,639

Population

287,339

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $20,295/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Plano — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Plano cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Plano?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $183/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Plano?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $20,295/year higher in Plano.

How do taxes compare between California and Texas?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Plano?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Ana

Plano

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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