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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Santa Ana is 5% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,975/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 12%
$88,354/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 22%
$657,800 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$614,300 ↓ 7%
$1,965/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 20%
311,639
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $19,120/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Stamford — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Stamford?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Stamford?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $19,120/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

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