Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Santa Ana is 50% more expensive than West Valley City.

$1,975/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↓ 27%
$88,354/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,604/yr ≈ Same
$657,800 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 43%
$1,965/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 25%
311,639
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $250/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Santa Ana or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and West Valley City?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or West Valley City?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $250/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Ana or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Ana details → View West Valley City details →

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