Huntington Beach, CA vs. Santa Ana, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Huntington Beach and Santa Ana. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in these two Orange County cities in 2025.
Meet the Garcias, a family of four debating a move from their rental in Santa Ana to a home in Huntington Beach. They’re weighing the tradeoffs in housing costs, utilities, and overall expenses to see which city fits their lifestyle and budget best.
1. Housing Costs
The biggest factor in the Garcias’ decision is housing. Here’s how typical costs compare:
| Housing Type | Huntington Beach | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,800/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $1.2M | $850K |
🏆 Winner: Santa Ana. Renting or buying in Santa Ana costs 15-30% less than in Huntington Beach.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Both cities enjoy mild coastal weather, but the Garcias still want to factor in monthly bills:
- In Huntington Beach, expect $180/mo for electricity, gas, water, and trash.
- Santa Ana utility costs average $150/mo, thanks to smaller home sizes.
🏆 Winner: Santa Ana, but only by about $30/month.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The Garcias enjoy cooking at home and the occasional night out. Here’s how common costs stack up:
- Groceries for a family of 4 in Huntington Beach: $1,100/mo
- Similar haul in Santa Ana: $1,000/mo
- Dining out is about 10% pricier in Huntington Beach
🏆 Winner: Santa Ana, but both cities have higher-than-average food costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Owning a home means dealing with property taxes, HOA dues, and other fees:
- Huntington Beach property tax rate: 1.07% (on a $1.2M home, that’s $1,070/mo!)
- Santa Ana property tax rate: 1.15% (on a $850K home, about $815/mo)
- Both cities have HOAs ranging from $200-500/mo, often including landscaping and amenities
🏆 Winner: Santa Ana. Lower home values help offset the slightly higher tax rate.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Monthly Expense | Huntington Beach | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $5,600 | $3,950 |
| Utilities | $180 | $150 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $600 | $500 |
| Taxes & Fees | $1,370 | $1,015 |
| Misc Costs | $800 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $9,650 in Huntington Beach | $7,315 in Santa Ana |
Note: All income and expense figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax) to simplify comparison.
6. Lifestyle Fit
For the extra $2,300+/month to live in Huntington Beach vs Santa Ana, the Garcias would gain:
- More space and updated homes
- Highly-rated schools
- Quick access to beaches and coastal recreation
But they’d have to weigh that against:
- Longer commutes (Huntington Beach is further from job centers)
- Higher housing costs locking up more of their income
- Less diversity and urban amenities than Santa Ana
7. FAQ
Q: Is Huntington Beach more affordable than Santa Ana?
A: No, Santa Ana is cheaper for housing, food, utilities and transportation in 2025.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Santa Ana rents are about 15% lower than in Huntington Beach.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Santa Ana home prices are roughly 30% less than in Huntington Beach as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
For the Garcia family, staying in Santa Ana likely makes the most financial sense, unless they’re willing to stretch their budget for the beach town perks of Huntington Beach. Young professionals and couples may find Huntington Beach worth the premium, while families looking to balance costs and amenities may prefer Santa Ana.
Wherever you land, make sure to plan out your monthly budget to account for the full cost of living in Huntington Beach or Santa Ana. And don’t forget to factor in moving expenses — see our 2025 moving company picks to get quotes.