Lake Forest, CA vs Santa Ana, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Ana has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lake Forest | Santa Ana | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 191 | 149 | Santa Ana |
| Housing | 252 ($1,831) | 189 ($1,383) | Santa Ana |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Lake Forest |
| Food & groceries | 176 ($722) | 118 ($484) | Santa Ana |
| Utilities | 176 ($454) | 145 ($340) | Santa Ana |
| Healthcare | 176 ($328) | 145 ($246) | Santa Ana |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA or Santa Ana, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Ana, CA is cheaper overall by about 42 index points (Lake Forest, CA: 191, Santa Ana, CA: 149; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lake Forest, CA vs Santa Ana, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,850/year in Lake Forest, CA and $52,150/year in Santa Ana, CA to cover basic living costs.