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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Santa Clarita is 42% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$2,486/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 23%
$119,926/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 52%
$721,000 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 152%
$2,649/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 14%
229,021
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in Santa Clarita, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $61,936/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $579/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $61,936/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

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