Median Home
$700,000
Rent (1BR)
$2,000/mo
Cost of Living
145 / 100
Unemployment
4.2%
Sunny Days
280/yr
Walkability
Somewhat Walkable
What It's Really Like in Santa Ana
Orange County's seat with a vibrant Latino culture, the Bowers Museum, and South Coast Plaza shopping nearby. More affordable than surrounding OC cities with genuine cultural authenticity.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Santa Ana based on your lifestyle and budget.
Downtown Santa Ana
artsyArtists Village with galleries, Fourth Street Market, and monthly art walks.
Avg Rent
$1,900
Home Price
$600,000
Walkability
High
South Coast Metro
upscaleNear South Coast Plaza with corporate offices and upscale dining.
Avg Rent
$2,200
Home Price
$750,000
Walkability
Medium
Floral Park
family-friendlyHistoric neighborhood with beautiful homes and strong community pride.
Avg Rent
$2,000
Home Price
$800,000
Walkability
Medium
Bristol Street
affordableDiverse corridor with international dining and everyday shopping.
Avg Rent
$1,700
Home Price
$550,000
Walkability
Medium
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
104
4% above avg
Housing
238
138% above avg
Transportation
110
10% above avg
Healthcare
104
4% above avg
Utilities
92
8% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Floral Park — $2,000/mo rent
Most Affordable
- Bristol Street — $1,700/mo rent
- Downtown Santa Ana — $1,900/mo rent
Most Walkable
- Downtown Santa Ana — walkability: high
Getting Around Santa Ana
Walkability: Somewhat Walkable
Santa Ana has moderate walkability. Some neighborhoods are walkable for daily errands, but most residents will need a car for commuting and larger shopping trips.
Airport: SNA
Santa Ana is served by SNA airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$62,783
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
State Income Tax
1-13.3%
Cost of Living Index
145
Top Industries
GovernmentHealthcareFinancial ServicesManufacturingTechnology
Major Employers
Orange County GovernmentCalOptimaFirst American FinancialBehr PaintCorinthian Colleges
Popular Routes to Santa Ana
People are moving to Santa Ana from these cities.
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
3,165 miles57.5hr driveI-20 East
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
39 miles0.7hr driveI-5 North
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
2,253 miles41hr driveI-20 East
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
1,752 miles31.9hr driveI-20 East
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
434 miles7.9hr driveI-20 East
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
3,090 miles56.2hr driveI-20 East
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
1,530 miles27.8hr driveI-20 East
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
107 miles1.9hr driveI-5 South
Santa Ana, CASanta Ana
1,582 miles28.8hr driveI-20 East
Moving from Santa Ana to Other States
Route guides from Santa Ana, CA to every US state.
Santa Ana → TexasSanta Ana → FloridaSanta Ana → New YorkSanta Ana → PennsylvaniaSanta Ana → IllinoisSanta Ana → OhioSanta Ana → GeorgiaSanta Ana → North CarolinaSanta Ana → MichiganSanta Ana → New JerseySanta Ana → VirginiaSanta Ana → WashingtonSanta Ana → ArizonaSanta Ana → MassachusettsSanta Ana → TennesseeSanta Ana → IndianaSanta Ana → MarylandSanta Ana → MissouriSanta Ana → WisconsinSanta Ana → ColoradoSanta Ana → MinnesotaSanta Ana → South CarolinaSanta Ana → AlabamaSanta Ana → LouisianaSanta Ana → KentuckySanta Ana → OregonSanta Ana → OklahomaSanta Ana → ConnecticutSanta Ana → UtahSanta Ana → IowaSanta Ana → NevadaSanta Ana → ArkansasSanta Ana → MississippiSanta Ana → KansasSanta Ana → New MexicoSanta Ana → NebraskaSanta Ana → IdahoSanta Ana → West VirginiaSanta Ana → HawaiiSanta Ana → New HampshireSanta Ana → MaineSanta Ana → Rhode IslandSanta Ana → MontanaSanta Ana → DelawareSanta Ana → South DakotaSanta Ana → North DakotaSanta Ana → AlaskaSanta Ana → District of ColumbiaSanta Ana → VermontSanta Ana → Wyoming
Moving from Santa Ana to Metro Areas
Route guides from Santa Ana to major metropolitan areas.
Santa Ana → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJSanta Ana → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CASanta Ana → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INSanta Ana → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CASanta Ana → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXSanta Ana → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVSanta Ana → Trenton-Princeton, NJSanta Ana → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTSanta Ana → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDSanta Ana → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLSanta Ana → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZSanta Ana → Vallejo, CASanta Ana → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXSanta Ana → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WASanta Ana → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDSanta Ana → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WASanta Ana → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHSanta Ana → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COSanta Ana → Kenosha, WISanta Ana → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Santa Ana to Major Cities
Route guides from Santa Ana to the largest US cities.
Santa Ana → New York, NYSanta Ana → Los Angeles, CASanta Ana → Chicago, ILSanta Ana → Houston, TXSanta Ana → Phoenix, AZSanta Ana → Philadelphia, PASanta Ana → San Antonio, TXSanta Ana → San Diego, CASanta Ana → Dallas, TXSanta Ana → Austin, TXSanta Ana → San Jose, CASanta Ana → Jacksonville, FLSanta Ana → Fort Worth, TXSanta Ana → Columbus, OHSanta Ana → Charlotte, NCSanta Ana → Indianapolis, INSanta Ana → San Francisco, CASanta Ana → Seattle, WASanta Ana → Denver, COSanta Ana → Nashville, TNSanta Ana → Oklahoma City, OKSanta Ana → Washington, DCSanta Ana → El Paso, TXSanta Ana → Boston, MASanta Ana → Portland, ORSanta Ana → Las Vegas, NVSanta Ana → Memphis, TNSanta Ana → Louisville, KYSanta Ana → Baltimore, MDSanta Ana → Milwaukee, WI
Your Santa Ana Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home