salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$3,011
$2,654
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$2,320
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$101,378
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$713,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$3,997
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$105
👥 People living there
1,389,526
312,534
Commute to work
23.5 min
24.5 min
College degree
51%
18.3%
Own their home
47.3%
44.6%
Below poverty line
11%
10.8%
Unemployment
6%
4.8%
Bottom line
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Santa Ana for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | San Diego | Santa Ana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $70,900 | $98,050 | +38% in Santa Ana |
| Police Officer | $110,400 | $121,980 | +10% in Santa Ana |
| Lawyer | $178,220 | $194,410 | +9% in Santa Ana |
| Operations Manager | $119,600 | $125,830 | +5% in Santa Ana |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,000 | $101,860 | +5% in Santa Ana |
| Pharmacist | $165,130 | $157,440 | -5% in Santa Ana |
| Market Research Analyst | $79,440 | $82,990 | +4% in Santa Ana |
| Restaurant Cook | $46,440 | $44,460 | -4% in Santa Ana |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
San Diego and Santa Ana cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Santa Ana to match $60,000 in San Diego?
About $60,900 a year gives the same standard of living in Santa Ana.
Where do people earn more, San Diego or Santa Ana?
The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $101,378 in Santa Ana, 15% more in San Diego.