Is Santa Clarita, CA cheaper than Huntington Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Santa Clarita, CA is 3.9% more expensive than Huntington Beach, CA. This translates to spending an extra $291 per month.

What salary do I need in Santa Clarita, CA to live like I do in Huntington Beach, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Huntington Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $153,497.356 in Santa Clarita, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Huntington Beach, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?

Housing in Santa Clarita, CA is 7.3% more expensive than in Huntington Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA compared to $3,340/month in Huntington Beach, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Huntington Beach, CA to Santa Clarita, CA?

Living in Santa Clarita, CA costs approximately $291 more per month than Huntington Beach, CA, or $3497 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntington Beach, CA vs Santa Clarita, 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 Huntington Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $291/month more in Santa Clarita, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.5K in Santa Clarita, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$291

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.5K

Per year

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

Huntington Beach, CA

Population:192K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.32M

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

104

(4% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

Huntington Beach, CA

The Golden State

192K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 192K residents.

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 224K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Huntington Beach, CA vs Santa Clarita, CA

Category	Huntington Beach, CA	Santa Clarita, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$6,439/mo	↑ $436more	7.3%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,992/mo	↓ $166less	7.7%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $126less	7.3%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$999/mo	↓ $39.76less	3.8%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$536/mo	↓ $21.84less	3.9%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$532/mo	↓ $19.23less	3.5%

Housing

↑ 7.3%

Huntington Beach, CA

$6,003

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Difference

$436

Transportation

↓ 7.7%

Huntington Beach, CA

$2,158

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Difference

$166

less

Other

↓ 7.3%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,724

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Difference

$126

less

Groceries

↓ 3.8%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,039

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Difference

$39.76

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

Huntington Beach, CA

$557

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Difference

$21.84

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

Huntington Beach, CA

$551

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Difference

$19.23

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,770

To$1,452

↓ $1,318

1 Bed

From$2,830

To$1,648

↓ $1,182

2 Bed

From$3,340

To$2,197

↓ $1,143

3 Bed

From$4,530

To$3,296

↓ $1,234

Huntington Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,730–$2,920/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 Huntington Beach, CA

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$62.55

Difference

Home Values

Huntington Beach

Santa Clarita

$1.32M

Median Value

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

$1.20M - $1.49M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Huntington Beach

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

Huntington Beach, 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 Clarita, 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

Huntington Beach, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Santa Clarita, 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.