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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Santa Clara is 403% more expensive than Peoria.

$2,985/mo ↑ 214%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 68%
$173,670/yr ↑ 196%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 66%
$1,527,900 ↑ 922%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 90%
$3,051/mo ↑ 203%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 67%
129,239
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,034/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $24,408/year.

Median household income is $114,954/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Peoria — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Peoria?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $2,034/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Peoria?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $114,954/year higher in Santa Clara.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Clara or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clara details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clara and Peoria

Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo