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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Sunnyvale is 11% more expensive than Santa Clara.

$3,065/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↓ 3%
$181,862/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↓ 5%
$1,816,600 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↓ 16%
$3,016/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 1%
153,455
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Santa Clara, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $8,192/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clara is cheaper to live in with an index of 307 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $8,192/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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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.
View Sunnyvale details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sunnyvale and Santa Clara

Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville