Is Anaheim, CA cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Anaheim, CA is 11.1% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $835 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $139,976.919 in Anaheim, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Anaheim, CA is 22.5% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,240/month in Anaheim, CA compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Anaheim, CA could save you approximately $835 per month, or $10023 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Ana, CA vs Anaheim, 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 Santa Ana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $835/month moving to Anaheim, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.0K in Anaheim, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$835

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

Santa Ana, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$833K

Anaheim, CA

Population:341K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$969K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Anaheim, CA

The Golden State

341K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Ana, CA vs Anaheim, CA

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Anaheim, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$6,003/mo	↓ $1,746less	22.5%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $6.70less	0.4%
Healthcare	$554/mo	$551/mo	↓ $2.48less	0.4%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $1.00less	0.1%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$2,158/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$557/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 22.5%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Anaheim, CA

$6,003

Difference

$1,746

less

Other

↓ 0.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Anaheim, CA

$1,724

Difference

$6.70

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Anaheim, CA

$551

Difference

$2.48

less

Groceries

↓ 0.1%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Anaheim, CA

$1,039

Difference

$1.00

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Anaheim, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Anaheim, CA

$557

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$2,690

↑ $485

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,750

↑ $495

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$3,240

↑ $580

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$4,400

↑ $790

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/mo

Anaheim, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,410–$3,900/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Santa Ana, CA

$12,034

Monthly in Anaheim, CA

$1,757

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Anaheim

$833K

Median Value

$969K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$837K - $1.26M

Homes in Anaheim are 16% more expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana Calculate payment - Anaheim

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Santa Ana, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Anaheim, 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.