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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Santa Clara is 75% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,985/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↓ 22%
$173,670/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 37%
$1,527,900 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 60%
$3,051/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↓ 22%
129,239
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Murrieta, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $63,890/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Murrieta?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Murrieta?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $63,890/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clara details → View Murrieta details →

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