Is Salt Lake City, UT cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Salt Lake City, UT is 42.4% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $3183 per month.

What salary do I need in Salt Lake City, UT to live like I do in Santa Ana, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $111,800.456 in Salt Lake City, UT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Ana, CA and Salt Lake City, UT?

Housing in Salt Lake City, UT is 67.3% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Salt Lake City, UT compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Santa Ana, CA to Salt Lake City, UT?

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Salt Lake City, UT could save you approximately $3183 per month, or $38200 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Ana, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT: 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 $3.2K/month moving to Salt Lake City, UT

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.8K in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Overall Cost

↓ 42.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,183

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.2K

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

Salt Lake City, UT

Population:210K

Cost Index:

(42% below avg)

Median Home:$518K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Salt Lake City, UT

The Beehive State

210K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Utah, this city has a population of 210K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Ana, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Salt Lake City, UT	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,531/mo	↓ $5,218less	67.3%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,247/mo	↓ $911less	42.2%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$950/mo	↓ $90.29less	8.7%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$472/mo	↓ $85.60less	15.4%
Healthcare	$554/mo	$625/mo	↑ $71.16more	12.8%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,670/mo	↓ $61.19less	3.5%

Housing

↓ 67.3%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Salt Lake City, UT

$2,531

Difference

$5,218

less

Transportation

↓ 42.2%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,247

Difference

$911

less

Groceries

↓ 8.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Salt Lake City, UT

$950

Difference

$90.29

less

All Utilities

↓ 15.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Salt Lake City, UT

$472

Difference

$85.60

less

Healthcare

↑ 12.8%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Salt Lake City, UT

$625

Difference

$71.16

Other

↓ 3.5%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,670

Difference

$61.19

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$1,008

↓ $1,197

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,168

↓ $1,087

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,400

↓ $1,260

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$1,872

↓ $1,738

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/mo

Salt Lake City, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,820/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

$7,494

Monthly in Salt Lake City, UT

$6,296

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Salt Lake City

$833K

Median Value

$518K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.4%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$400K - $902K

Homes in Salt Lake City are 38% less expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana Calculate payment - Salt Lake City

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$279

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

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

Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Utah State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,809/month

$105.7K

Additional Tax Information

Santa Ana, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.