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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Santa Ana is 17% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,975/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 26%
$88,354/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 36%
$657,800 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 10%
$1,965/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 35%
311,639
Population
229,021

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $31,572/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $31,572/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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