Is Santa Clarita, CA cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Santa Clarita, CA is 7.7% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $576 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $143,084.783 in Santa Clarita, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Santa Clarita, CA is 16.9% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Clarita, CA could save you approximately $576 per month, or $6915 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $576/month moving to Santa Clarita, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.1K in Santa Clarita, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$576

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.9K

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$885K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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: Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Clarita, CA

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Santa Clarita, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$6,439/mo	↓ $1,311less	16.9%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,992/mo	↓ $166less	7.7%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $133less	7.7%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$999/mo	↓ $40.76less	3.9%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$536/mo	↓ $21.84less	3.9%
Healthcare	$554/mo	$532/mo	↓ $21.70less	3.9%

Housing

↓ 16.9%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Difference

$1,311

less

Transportation

↓ 7.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Difference

$166

less

Other

↓ 7.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Difference

$133

less

Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Difference

$40.76

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Difference

$21.84

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Difference

$21.70

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$1,452

↓ $753

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,648

↓ $607

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,197

↓ $463

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$3,296

↓ $314

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/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

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$1,694

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Santa Clarita

$833K

Median Value

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Santa Ana

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

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

Santa Ana, 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.