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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Temecula

California
179

Santa Clarita is 10% more expensive than Temecula.

$2,486/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↓ 8%
$119,926/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↓ 2%
$721,000 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$640,400 ↓ 11%
$2,649/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↓ 8%
229,021
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Temecula, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $2,086/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Temecula — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Temecula is cheaper to live in with an index of 179 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Temecula?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Temecula?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $2,086/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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Temecula details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Temecula

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 Temecula vs. Costa Mesa Temecula vs. Ventura Temecula vs. Everett Temecula vs. Santa Maria Temecula vs. Miami Gardens Temecula vs. Sugar Land