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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Santa Clara is 98% more expensive than Vallejo.

$2,985/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↓ 33%
$173,670/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↓ 48%
$1,527,900 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$557,500 ↓ 64%
$3,051/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↓ 33%
129,239
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $972/month cheaper in Vallejo, saving renters about $11,664/year.

Median household income is $84,174/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Vallejo?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $972/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Vallejo?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $84,174/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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clara details → View Vallejo details →

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