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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Santa Clarita is 8% more expensive than Rancho Cucamonga.

$2,486/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↓ 8%
$119,926/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↓ 9%
$721,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$694,400 ↓ 4%
$2,649/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↓ 12%
229,021
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Rancho Cucamonga, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $10,415/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rancho Cucamonga is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $10,415/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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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