Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Clara, CA: 163 vs 307

$1,975/mo ↓ 34%

Median Rent

$2,985/mo ↑ 51%

$88,354/yr ↓ 49%

Median Income

$173,670/yr ↑ 97%

$657,800 ↓ 57%

Home Value

$1,527,900 ↑ 132%

$1,965/mo ↓ 36%

Owner Costs

$3,051/mo ↑ 55%

311,639

Population

129,239

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,010/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $12,120/year.

Median household income is $85,316/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 307 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Santa Clara?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,010/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Santa Clara?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $85,316/year higher in Santa Clara.

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 Santa Clara?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Ana

Santa Clara

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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