Santa Ana, CA vs Reno, NV: 163 vs 122

$1,975/mo ↑ 36%

Median Rent

$1,453/mo ↓ 26%

$88,354/yr ↑ 13%

Median Income

$78,448/yr ↓ 11%

$657,800 ↑ 32%

Home Value

$498,600 ↓ 24%

$1,965/mo ↑ 33%

Owner Costs

$1,482/mo ↓ 25%

311,639

Population

268,959

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $9,906/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Reno — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Reno cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Reno?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $522/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Reno?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $9,906/year higher in Santa Ana.

How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Reno?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Ana

Reno

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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