El Monte, CA vs Santa Ana, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
El Monte has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | El Monte | Santa Ana | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 139 | 149 | El Monte |
| Housing | 180 ($1,174) | 189 ($1,383) | El Monte |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Santa Ana |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 118 ($484) | El Monte |
| Utilities | 140 ($324) | 145 ($340) | El Monte |
| Healthcare | 140 ($234) | 145 ($246) | El Monte |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Monte, CA or Santa Ana, CA cheaper to live in?
El Monte, CA is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (El Monte, CA: 139, Santa Ana, CA: 149; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in El Monte, CA vs Santa Ana, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $48,650/year in El Monte, CA and $52,150/year in Santa Ana, CA to cover basic living costs.