Is Santa Clarita, CA cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Santa Clarita, CA is 11.1% more expensive than San Diego, CA. This translates to spending an extra $833 per month.

What salary do I need in Santa Clarita, CA to live like I do in San Diego, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $159,990.228 in Santa Clarita, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Diego, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?

Housing in Santa Clarita, CA is 23.3% more expensive than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Living in Santa Clarita, CA costs approximately $833 more per month than San Diego, CA, or $9990 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $833/month more in Santa Clarita, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.0K in Santa Clarita, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 11.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$833

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$980K

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

111

(11% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Santa Clarita, CA

Category	San Diego, CA	Santa Clarita, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,223/mo	$6,439/mo	↑ $1,215more	23.3%
Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,992/mo	↑ $422more	26.8%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $294less	15.5%
Healthcare	$638/mo	$532/mo	↓ $106less	16.6%
All Utilities	$634/mo	$536/mo	↓ $98.34less	15.5%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$999/mo	↓ $79.73less	7.4%

Housing

↑ 23.3%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Difference

$1,215

Transportation

↑ 26.8%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Difference

$422

Other

↓ 15.5%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Difference

$294

less

Healthcare

↓ 16.6%

San Diego, CA

$638

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Difference

$106

less

All Utilities

↓ 15.5%

San Diego, CA

$634

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Difference

$98.34

less

Groceries

↓ 7.4%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Difference

$79.73

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,452

↓ $1,113

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,648

↓ $1,107

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$2,197

↓ $1,163

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$3,296

↓ $1,179

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$1,059

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Santa Clarita

$980K

Median Value

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.