San Diego, 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 | San Diego | Santa Ana | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 180 | 149 | Santa Ana |
| Housing | 244 ($1,556) | 189 ($1,383) | Santa Ana |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Santa Ana |
| Food & groceries | 140 ($574) | 118 ($484) | Santa Ana |
| Utilities | 172 ($439) | 145 ($340) | Santa Ana |
| Healthcare | 172 ($317) | 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 San Diego, CA or Santa Ana, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Ana, CA is cheaper overall by about 31 index points (San Diego, CA: 180, Santa Ana, CA: 149; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Diego, CA vs Santa Ana, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $63,000/year in San Diego, CA and $52,150/year in Santa Ana, CA to cover basic living costs.