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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Santa Ana is 106% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,975/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 44%
$88,354/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 42%
$657,800 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 66%
$1,965/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 35%
311,639
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $861/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $10,332/year.

Median household income is $37,015/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Springfield — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Springfield?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $861/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Springfield?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $37,015/year higher in Santa Ana.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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