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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Ontario

California
152

Santa Clarita is 30% more expensive than Ontario.

$2,486/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↓ 23%
$119,926/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 31%
$721,000 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 21%
$2,649/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 26%
229,021
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $37,120/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Ontario — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Ontario?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Ontario?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $37,120/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Ontario

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa