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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Santa Clarita is 13% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,486/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↓ 6%
$119,926/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 8%
$721,000 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 16%
$2,649/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↓ 10%
229,021
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Murrieta, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $10,146/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Murrieta?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Murrieta?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $10,146/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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Murrieta details →

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