Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Monica, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Ana has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Santa Ana | Santa Monica | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 149 | 320 | Santa Ana |
| Housing | 189 ($1,383) | 520 ($1,637) | Santa Ana |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Santa Ana |
| Food & groceries | 118 ($484) | 147 ($603) | Santa Ana |
| Utilities | 145 ($340) | 310 ($936) | Santa Ana |
| Healthcare | 145 ($246) | 310 ($676) | 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 Santa Ana, CA or Santa Monica, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Ana, CA is cheaper overall by about 171 index points (Santa Ana, CA: 149, Santa Monica, CA: 320; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Monica, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $52,150/year in Santa Ana, CA and $112,000/year in Santa Monica, CA to cover basic living costs.