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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Richmond

California
161

Santa Clara is 91% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,985/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 37%
$173,670/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 48%
$1,527,900 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 57%
$3,051/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 34%
129,239
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,090/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $13,080/year.

Median household income is $83,632/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Richmond — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Richmond?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $1,090/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Richmond?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $83,632/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clara details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clara and Richmond

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 Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell