Is Ontario, CA cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Ontario, CA is 31.3% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $2350 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $121,800.346 in Ontario, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Ontario, CA is 52.4% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,580/month in Ontario, CA compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Ontario, CA could save you approximately $2350 per month, or $28200 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

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 $2.3K/month moving to Ontario, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.8K in Ontario, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 31.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,350

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.2K

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

Ontario, CA

Population:182K

Cost Index:

(31% below avg)

Median Home:$672K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Ontario, CA

The Golden State

182K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 182K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Ana, CA vs Ontario, CA

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Ontario, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$3,690/mo	↓ $4,059less	52.4%
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

↓ 52.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Ontario, CA

$3,690

Difference

$4,059

less

Other

↓ 0.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Ontario, CA

$1,724

Difference

$6.70

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Ontario, CA

$551

Difference

$2.48

less

Groceries

↓ 0.1%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Ontario, CA

$1,039

Difference

$1.00

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Ontario, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Ontario, CA

$557

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$1,980

↓ $225

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,080

↓ $175

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,580

↓ $80.00

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$3,410

↓ $200

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/mo

Ontario, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,240/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

$9,721

Monthly in Ontario, CA

$4,069

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Ontario

$833K

Median Value

$672K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.9%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +34.4%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$623K - $683K

Homes in Ontario are 19% less expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana Calculate payment - Ontario

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

Ontario, 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%

Ontario, 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.