Santa Ana, CA vs. Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Santa Ana or Ontario, California? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between these two cities. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of Santa Ana vs Ontario in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Santa Ana and Ontario:
| Housing Type | Santa Ana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $850,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Ontario. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be more affordable in Ontario compared to Santa Ana.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills can add up quickly. In Santa Ana, expect to pay around $180 per month for a 2BR apartment. Ontario utility costs are slightly lower, averaging $160 monthly.
Both cities have relatively mild climates, so heating and cooling needs are moderate. Look into off-peak energy plans to maximize savings.
🏆 Winner: Ontario has a slight edge on utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are fairly comparable between the two cities. Budget around $400-500 per month for a family of two adults.
Eating out is also similarly priced. A meal at a mid-range restaurant runs about $60 for two people in either city. However, Ontario has more casual dining options that can help trim your food budget.
🏆 Winner: It’s close, but Ontario offers more budget-friendly choices for dining out.
4. Taxes and Fees
As California cities, both Santa Ana and Ontario have relatively high tax rates. Sales tax is 7.75% in Santa Ana and 7.75% in Ontario.
Property taxes are also similar. Expect to pay around 1.15% of your home’s assessed value annually in Santa Ana, vs 1.10% in Ontario. For a $700K home, that’s a difference of $350 per year.
In Santa Ana, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash. Ontario HOAs may have lower fees but fewer included services. Factor in $200-400 monthly for a typical home in either city.
🏆 Winner: Ontario has a very slight tax advantage, but it’s nearly a toss-up.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Santa Ana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $3,500 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $120 | $100 |
| Taxes & Fees | $1,400 | $1,100 |
| Misc Costs | $800 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,500 | $5,210 |
Based on these estimates, a household with a monthly budget of $6,500 in Santa Ana would need around $5,200 to maintain a similar lifestyle in Ontario.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Ontario is more affordable, Santa Ana offers perks like walkable neighborhoods and a shorter commute to central OC. Ontario provides more space for the money, but has fewer public transit options.
Climate is similar between the two cities. Ontario averages about 5°F warmer than Santa Ana in the summer months. Both are relatively dry year-round.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Santa Ana more affordable than Ontario?
No, Ontario has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing. -
Which city has lower rent?
Ontario has lower average rent prices for apartments and homes. -
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices and property taxes are lower in Ontario, making it more affordable for buyers.
8. Conclusion
While both cities have their merits, Ontario comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. It’s an excellent choice for families seeking affordable housing and a suburban lifestyle.
However, Santa Ana remains appealing for those prioritizing location and convenience. It’s closer to major employment hubs and has more urban amenities.
Ultimately, the right fit depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. We recommend visiting both cities and comparing your options in person before making a move.
Santa Ana, CA vs. Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Santa Ana or Ontario, California? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between these two cities. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of Santa Ana vs Ontario in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Santa Ana and Ontario:
| Housing Type | Santa Ana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $850,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Ontario. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be more affordable in Ontario compared to Santa Ana.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills can add up quickly. In Santa Ana, expect to pay around $180 per month for a 2BR apartment. Ontario utility costs are slightly lower, averaging $160 monthly.
Both cities have relatively mild climates, so heating and cooling needs are moderate. Look into off-peak energy plans to maximize savings.
🏆 Winner: Ontario has a slight edge on utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are fairly comparable between the two cities. Budget around $400-500 per month for a family of two adults.
Eating out is also similarly priced. A meal at a mid-range restaurant runs about $60 for two people in either city. However, Ontario has more casual dining options that can help trim your food budget.
🏆 Winner: It’s close, but Ontario offers more budget-friendly choices for dining out.
4. Taxes and Fees
As California cities, both Santa Ana and Ontario have relatively high tax rates. Sales tax is 7.75% in Santa Ana and 7.75% in Ontario.
Property taxes are also similar. Expect to pay around 1.15% of your home’s assessed value annually in Santa Ana, vs 1.10% in Ontario. For a $700K home, that’s a difference of $350 per year.
In Santa Ana, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash. Ontario HOAs may have lower fees but fewer included services. Factor in $200-400 monthly for a typical home in either city.
🏆 Winner: Ontario has a very slight tax advantage, but it’s nearly a toss-up.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Santa Ana | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $3,500 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $120 | $100 |
| Taxes & Fees | $1,400 | $1,100 |
| Misc Costs | $800 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,500 | $5,210 |
Based on these estimates, a household with a monthly budget of $6,500 in Santa Ana would need around $5,200 to maintain a similar lifestyle in Ontario.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Ontario is more affordable, Santa Ana offers perks like walkable neighborhoods and a shorter commute to central OC. Ontario provides more space for the money, but has fewer public transit options.
Climate is similar between the two cities. Ontario averages about 5°F warmer than Santa Ana in the summer months. Both are relatively dry year-round.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Santa Ana more affordable than Ontario?
No, Ontario has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing. -
Which city has lower rent?
Ontario has lower average rent prices for apartments and homes. -
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices and property taxes are lower in Ontario, making it more affordable for buyers.
8. Conclusion
While both cities have their merits, Ontario comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. It’s an excellent choice for families seeking affordable housing and a suburban lifestyle.
However, Santa Ana remains appealing for those prioritizing location and convenience. It’s closer to major employment hubs and has more urban amenities.
Ultimately, the right fit depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. We recommend visiting both cities and comparing your options in person before making a move.