Detroit is 13% 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
$1,347
$2,654
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$2,320
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$101,378
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$713,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$3,997
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$105
👥 People living there
638,530
312,534
Commute to work
24.8 min
24.5 min
College degree
18.1%
18.3%
Own their home
50.3%
44.6%
Below poverty line
32.7%
10.8%
Unemployment
14%
4.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Santa Ana for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Santa Ana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $62,730 | $98,050 | +56% in Santa Ana |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | $101,860 | +56% in Santa Ana |
| Police Officer | $78,450 | $121,980 | +55% in Santa Ana |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | $122,980 | +46% in Santa Ana |
| Lawyer | $134,980 | $194,410 | +44% in Santa Ana |
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | $135,560 | +39% in Santa Ana |
| Software Developer | $130,760 | $160,920 | +23% in Santa Ana |
| Cashier | $30,090 | $36,980 | +23% in Santa Ana |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Detroit is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,347 a month there versus $2,654 in Santa Ana.
What salary do I need in Santa Ana to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $67,937 a year gives the same standard of living in Santa Ana.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Santa Ana?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $101,378 in Santa Ana, 58% more in Santa Ana.