Is Santa Ana, CA cheaper than Anaheim, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Santa Ana, CA is 12.5% more expensive than Anaheim, CA. This translates to spending an extra $940 per month.

What salary do I need in Santa Ana, CA to live like I do in Anaheim, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Anaheim, CA, you'd need approximately $161,279.221 in Santa Ana, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Housing in Santa Ana, CA is 29.1% more expensive than in Anaheim, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA compared to $3,240/month in Anaheim, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anaheim, CA to Santa Ana, CA?

Living in Santa Ana, CA costs approximately $940 more per month than Anaheim, CA, or $11279 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anaheim, CA vs Santa Ana, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Anaheim, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $940/month more in Santa Ana, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.3K in Santa Ana, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$940

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Anaheim, CA

Population:341K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$969K

Santa Ana, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:

113

(13% above avg)

Median Home:$833K

Anaheim, CA

The Golden State

341K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 341K residents.

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 310K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anaheim, CA vs Santa Ana, CA

Category	Anaheim, CA	Santa Ana, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $1,746more	29.1%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,731/mo	↑ $6.70more	0.4%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$554/mo	↑ $2.48more	0.4%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,040/mo	↑ $1.00more	0.1%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$2,158/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$557/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 29.1%

Anaheim, CA

$6,003

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Difference

$1,746

Other

↑ 0.4%

Anaheim, CA

$1,724

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Difference

$6.70

Healthcare

↑ 0.4%

Anaheim, CA

$551

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Difference

$2.48

Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Anaheim, CA

$1,039

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Difference

$1.00

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Anaheim, CA

$2,158

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Anaheim, CA

$557

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,690

To$2,205

↓ $485

1 Bed

From$2,750

To$2,255

↓ $495

2 Bed

From$3,240

To$2,660

↓ $580

3 Bed

From$4,400

To$3,610

↓ $790

Anaheim, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,410–$3,900/mo

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,034

Monthly in Anaheim, CA

$13,790

Monthly in Santa Ana, CA

$1,757

Difference

Home Values

Anaheim

Santa Ana

$969K

Median Value

$833K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +36.4%

$837K - $1.26M

Price Range

$679K - $1.00M

Homes in Santa Ana are 14% less expensive than Anaheim

Calculate payment - Anaheim Calculate payment - Santa Ana

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Anaheim, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Santa Ana, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Anaheim, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Santa Ana, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.