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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Santa Clarita is 13% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$2,486/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↓ 2%
$119,926/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$119,885/yr ≈ Same
$721,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 45%
$2,649/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↓ 8%
229,021
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Huntington Beach, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $41/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $41/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Huntington Beach details →

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