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

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 16.9% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $1268 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $134,783.612 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 32.6% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $1268 per month, or $15216 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Ana, CA vs San Diego, 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 $1.3K/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.8K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,268

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.2K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(17% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Santa Ana, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Santa Ana, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $2,526less	32.6%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $587less	27.2%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $161more	9.3%
Healthcare	$554/mo	$638/mo	↑ $84.26more	15.2%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$634/mo	↑ $76.50more	13.7%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $38.97more	3.7%

Housing

↓ 32.6%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,526

less

Transportation

↓ 27.2%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$587

less

Other

↑ 9.3%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$161

Healthcare

↑ 15.2%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$84.26

All Utilities

↑ 13.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$76.50

Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$38.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$2,565

↑ $360

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,755

↑ $500

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$3,360

↑ $700

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$4,475

↑ $865

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/mo

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.

$13,790

Monthly in Santa Ana, CA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,753

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

San Diego

$833K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 18% more expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana 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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Santa Ana, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Diego, 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.