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

Based on cost of living data, Santa Clarita, CA is 18.8% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $1409 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $133,089.304 in Santa Clarita, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Santa Clarita, CA is 34.1% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Santa Clarita, CA could save you approximately $1409 per month, or $16911 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Santa Clarita, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.1K in Santa Clarita, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,409

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.9K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.25M

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

(19% below avg)

Median Home:$885K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Santa Clarita, CA

Category	San Francisco, CA	Santa Clarita, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,771/mo	$6,439/mo	↓ $3,333less	34.1%
Other	$1,875/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $277less	14.8%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$532/mo	↓ $174less	24.7%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,992/mo	↓ $166less	7.7%
Groceries	$1,159/mo	$999/mo	↓ $160less	13.8%
All Utilities	$448/mo	$536/mo	↑ $87.44more	19.5%

Housing

↓ 34.1%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Difference

$3,333

less

Other

↓ 14.8%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Difference

$277

less

Healthcare

↓ 24.7%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Difference

$174

less

Transportation

↓ 7.7%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Difference

$166

less

Groceries

↓ 13.8%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Difference

$160

less

All Utilities

↑ 19.5%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Difference

$87.44

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,452

↓ $1,008

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,648

↓ $1,302

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$2,197

↓ $1,373

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$3,296

↓ $1,264

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$4,022

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Santa Clarita

$1.25M

Median Value

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

Calculate payment - San Francisco

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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.