Fremont, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Cruz has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Fremont | Santa Cruz | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 261 | 230 | Santa Cruz |
| Housing | 370 ($2,034) | 339 ($1,611) | Santa Cruz |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Fremont |
| Food & groceries | 236 ($968) | 149 ($611) | Santa Cruz |
| Utilities | 235 ($666) | 220 ($610) | Santa Cruz |
| Healthcare | 235 ($481) | 220 ($441) | Santa Cruz |
| 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 Fremont, CA or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Cruz, CA is cheaper overall by about 31 index points (Fremont, CA: 261, Santa Cruz, CA: 230; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Fremont, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $91,350/year in Fremont, CA and $80,500/year in Santa Cruz, CA to cover basic living costs.