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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Temecula

California
179

Santa Clara is 72% more expensive than Temecula.

$2,985/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↓ 23%
$173,670/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↓ 32%
$1,527,900 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$640,400 ↓ 58%
$3,051/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↓ 20%
129,239
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $688/month cheaper in Temecula, saving renters about $8,256/year.

Median household income is $55,830/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Temecula — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Temecula is cheaper to live in with an index of 179 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Temecula?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $688/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Temecula?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $55,830/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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clara details → View Temecula details →

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