Cost of Living: Santa Clara, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Santa Clara is 439% more expensive than Evansville.

$2,985/mo ↑ 215%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 68%
$173,670/yr ↑ 232%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 70%
$1,527,900 ↑ 1084%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 92%
$3,051/mo ↑ 232%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 70%
129,239
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,036/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $24,432/year.

Median household income is $121,419/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Evansville — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Evansville?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $2,036/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Evansville?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $121,419/year higher in Santa Clara.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Clara or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clara details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

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