Irvine, CA vs Santee, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santee has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Irvine | Santee | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 225 | 152 | Santee |
| Housing | 320 ($2,025) | 188 ($1,538) | Santee |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Santee |
| Food & groceries | 174 ($713) | 141 ($578) | Santee |
| Utilities | 210 ($576) | 144 ($338) | Santee |
| Healthcare | 210 ($416) | 144 ($244) | Santee |
| 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 Irvine, CA or Santee, CA cheaper to live in?
Santee, CA is cheaper overall by about 73 index points (Irvine, CA: 225, Santee, CA: 152; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Irvine, CA vs Santee, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $78,750/year in Irvine, CA and $53,200/year in Santee, CA to cover basic living costs.