Cost of Living: Santa Clarita, CA vs Fremont, CA (2026)

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Fremont

California
278

Santa Clarita is 29% cheaper than Fremont.

$2,486/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 17%
$119,926/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 47%
$721,000 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 79%
$2,649/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 13%
229,021
Population
228,518

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Santa Clarita, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $56,424/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Fremont — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Fremont?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Fremont?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $56,424/year higher in Fremont.
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 Clarita or Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Fremont details →

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