Living comfortably in Santa Ana, CA in 2025 requires an estimated gross monthly income of $5,400 for a couple or small family. Let’s break down the real costs to see where that money goes.
Housing Costs in Santa Ana
Housing is the biggest expense for most Santa Ana residents. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Santa Ana is approximately $2,850 per month. For a typical 3-bedroom house, expect to pay around $3,400 monthly in rent or mortgage.
Here’s a comparison of common housing options:
- Studio apartment: $1,900 – $2,300
- 1-bedroom apartment: $2,300 – $2,700
- 2-bedroom apartment: $2,600 – $3,100
- 2-bedroom house: $3,000 – $3,600
- 3-bedroom house: $3,200 – $4,000+
Note that some neighborhoods may have HOA fees ranging from $200-500 per month. Newer housing developments are more likely to have mandatory HOAs to maintain shared amenities and landscaping.
Utilities and Energy Bills
In addition to rent or mortgage, plan for the following monthly utility costs in Santa Ana:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 – $180 |
| Gas | $20 – $50 |
| Water | $60 – $100 |
| Trash/Recycling | $20 – $40 |
| Internet | $50 – $80 |
Utility costs can vary based on home size, usage habits, and time of year. Air conditioning, for example, can spike electric bills by $50+ during hot summer months. Budget an extra 20% for seasonal fluctuations.
Groceries and Food
For a single person, a typical monthly grocery bill in Santa Ana is around $400. This assumes a mix of dining out and cooking at home. Couples should budget closer to $650-$800 per month for groceries and household items.
A family of four can expect to spend at least $900 on groceries each month, plus an additional $150-$300 for household goods like cleaning supplies and toiletries. Dining out will add $200-$500 more, depending on frequency and restaurant choices.
Taxes and Fees
Santa Ana’s sales tax rate is 7.75% as of 2025, which is slightly lower than some neighboring Orange County cities. Property taxes in Santa Ana are around 1.1% of assessed value annually.
For vehicle owners, registration fees are $200-$300 per year in addition to gas, maintenance, and insurance costs. A monthly parking pass or garage rental can add $100-$200. Ride shares and public transit offer lower-cost alternatives to car ownership.
Sample Monthly Budget
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $2,000 | $2,800 | $3,400 |
| Utilities | $200 | $280 | $350 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Entertainment & Misc. | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $3,650 | $5,480 | $7,350 |
These figures represent common pre-tax monthly expenses. Your specific budget will vary based on lifestyle, family size, location, and housing choices. Use this as a general guide, not an absolute rule.
Lifestyle Factors
Santa Ana offers a mix of urban convenience and residential neighborhoods. Commute times are reasonable, with most trips under 30 minutes. Walkable pockets and bus lines provide transportation alternatives.
Newer housing options tend to be more expensive, especially near shopping and transit hubs. Established neighborhoods with older homes may offer lower prices but fewer amenities. Wherever you choose, expect less square footage than a comparably priced suburban home.
Overall, Santa Ana delivers big city access and cultural richness balanced with quieter residential areas. It’s pricier than some outlying towns, but more affordable than coastal cities like Newport Beach or Laguna Niguel. Aligning your budget, commute needs, and housing priorities is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Santa Ana?
To afford typical expenses, aim for a gross (pre-tax) household income of at least $65K annually for a single person, $90K for a couple, or $110K+ for a family.
Is Santa Ana cheaper than Irvine?
Yes, the cost of living in Santa Ana is about 10-15% lower than Irvine on average. Housing is the most notable difference, with Irvine rents and mortgages trending 20%+ higher.
What is the average rent in Santa Ana?
As of 2025, average rent in Santa Ana is $2,850 for a 2-bedroom apartment or $3,400 for a 3-bedroom house. Studio and 1-bedroom options start around $1,900-$2,300.
How much are utilities per month in Santa Ana?
Budget $200-$350 per month for basic utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash service. High summer A/C use and home size can increase costs.
Is Santa Ana a good place to live?
Santa Ana offers a diverse, vibrant community with a mix of urban amenities and residential areas. It’s a relatively affordable option in the heart of Orange County, with reasonable commutes and access to beaches, entertainment, and job centers.
What is the sales tax in Santa Ana?
The sales tax rate in Santa Ana is 7.75% as of 2025. This is on par with much of Orange County, though some cities are slightly higher at 7.95-8.75%.
How much do I need to make to live comfortably in Santa Ana?
To cover typical expenses and have some flexibility, aim for a gross monthly income of $4,000+ as a single person, $5,500+ as a couple, or $7,500+ for a family of four in Santa Ana.