Cost of living in Santa Ana
Santa Ana, located in the heart of Orange County, California, is known for its vibrant culture and proximity to major attractions. Understanding the cost of living in Santa Ana is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18 on average, with a range between $12 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85, with prices ranging from $50 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $14, with a range between $12 and $16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $8, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3.25 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.09 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $3.75, averaging $3.41.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $6.59 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $7.72 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $69.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6.63, with additional costs per km and waiting time.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2000.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $3500.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $5920.15.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $5920.15.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $500, averaging $130.53.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $85, with an average cost of $62.33.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Santa Ana offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Santa Ana are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices being manageable for most residents.
Housing in Santa Ana can be expensive, particularly in the city centre, but options outside the centre offer some relief.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, making them predictable expenses for residents.
Conclusion
Overall, Santa Ana presents a balanced cost of living with some areas being more expensive than others.
Prospective residents should consider their priorities, such as proximity to the city centre versus housing costs, when planning their move.
With its vibrant community and strategic location, Santa Ana remains an attractive option for many despite its higher housing costs.