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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Torrance

California
218

Santa Ana is 55% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,975/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 12%
$88,354/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 28%
$657,800 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 58%
$1,965/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 17%
311,639
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $24,751/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Torrance — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Torrance?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Torrance?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $24,751/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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