salaryBoston is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Santa Ana to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$2,654
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$2,320
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$101,378
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$713,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$3,997
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$105
👥 People living there
666,442
312,534
Commute to work
30.3 min
24.5 min
College degree
54.9%
18.3%
Own their home
35.7%
44.6%
Below poverty line
16.6%
10.8%
Unemployment
6.1%
4.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Santa Ana for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Santa Ana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $78,180 | $121,980 | +56% in Santa Ana |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $98,050 | +33% in Santa Ana |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $135,560 | +28% in Santa Ana |
| Plumber | $96,760 | $71,110 | -27% in Santa Ana |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | $122,980 | +21% in Santa Ana |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $82,990 | -19% in Santa Ana |
| Physician Assistant | $142,410 | $161,890 | +14% in Santa Ana |
| Pharmacist | $139,660 | $157,440 | +13% in Santa Ana |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Boston is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $3,112 a month there versus $2,654 in Santa Ana.
What salary do I need in Santa Ana to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $62,937 a year gives the same standard of living in Santa Ana.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Santa Ana?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $101,378 in Santa Ana, 4% more in Boston.