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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Ventura

California
183

Santa Clara is 68% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,985/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 30%
$173,670/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 42%
$1,527,900 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 49%
$3,051/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 31%
129,239
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $73,263/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Ventura — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Ventura?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Ventura?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $73,263/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clara details → View Ventura details →

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