Cost of Living in Santa Ana, CA
Population 311,639 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Santa Ana's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $658,000 for a typical home, 116% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $88,354 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Santa Ana
The median home value in Santa Ana is $657,800 — 116% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,975/month, 50% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,354/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 72.6°F and lows of 57.2°F. Overall, Santa Ana has a cost of living index of 190 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 90% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 67 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 71 | 74 | 79 | 80 | 80 | 77 | 72 | 67 |
| Low °F | 49 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 59 | 63 | 66 | 67 | 65 | 59 | 53 | 48 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.64 | 1.62 | 0.52 | 0.27 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.01 | 0.10 | 0.54 | 0.80 | 2.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana has a cost index of 190 (100 = national average). It is 90% above the national average.
What is average rent in Santa Ana, CA?
The median gross rent in Santa Ana is $1,975 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Santa Ana?
The median home value in Santa Ana is $657,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Santa Ana?
The median household income in Santa Ana is $88,354 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Santa Ana, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Santa Ana is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Santa Ana, CA affordable?
Santa Ana is above average in cost of living, with an index of 190 — about 90% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has average high temperatures of 72.6°F and average lows of 57.2°F. Annual precipitation is 11.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Santa Ana at a Glance
- Population
- 311,639
- Median Income
- $88,354
- Home Value
- $657,800
- Median Rent
- $1,975/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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