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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Santa Clarita is 110% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,486/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 20%
$119,926/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 45%
$721,000 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 112%
$2,649/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 15%
229,021
Population
129,239

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Santa Clarita, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $53,744/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $53,744/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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