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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Orange

California
206

Santa Clarita is 4% cheaper than Orange.

$2,486/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↓ 9%
$119,926/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 2%
$721,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 25%
$2,649/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↓ 10%
229,021
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $2,981/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Orange — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Orange?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Orange?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $2,981/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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Orange

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 Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City