Cost of Living: Santa Clarita, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Santa Clarita is 66% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,486/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 31%
$119,926/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 42%
$721,000 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 49%
$2,649/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 37%
229,021
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $777/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $9,324/year.

Median household income is $50,665/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $777/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $50,665/year higher in Santa Clarita.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Clarita or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and West Palm Beach

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 West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings