Cost of Living: Sunnyvale, CA vs Orange, CA (2026)

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Orange

California
206

Sunnyvale is 66% more expensive than Orange.

$3,065/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↓ 27%
$181,862/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 36%
$1,816,600 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$900,700 ↓ 50%
$3,016/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↓ 21%
153,455
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $813/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $9,756/year.

Median household income is $64,917/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Orange — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Orange?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $813/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Orange?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $64,917/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 Sunnyvale or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sunnyvale details → View Orange details →

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