Santa Ana, CA vs Tempe, AZ: 163 vs 120

$1,975/mo ↑ 22%

Median Rent

$1,623/mo ↓ 18%

$88,354/yr ↑ 14%

Median Income

$77,643/yr ↓ 12%

$657,800 ↑ 56%

Home Value

$421,900 ↓ 36%

$1,965/mo ↑ 26%

Owner Costs

$1,554/mo ↓ 21%

311,639

Population

186,419

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $10,711/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Tempe — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Tempe cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Tempe?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $352/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Tempe?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $10,711/year higher in Santa Ana.

How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Tempe?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Ana

Tempe

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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