Skyline of Santa Clarita
Cost of Living: 140 210,000

Santa Clarita, CA, US

Master-planned Valencia community with excellent schools and mountain backdrop.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 140

Very High vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 165

Very Expensive

Median Income $85,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.8%

Job market health

Santa Clarita vs US Average

Cost of Living
Santa Clarita: 140
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Santa Clarita: 165
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Santa Clarita: 8%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 8.0%
  • Sales Tax: 10.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $85,000
  • Unemployment: 3.8%
  • Population: 210,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 95°F
  • Winter Low: 45°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $650,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1800/mo

Cost of Living

Santa Clarita's cost of living index is 140 (US average = 100).

CategorySanta ClaritaNational AverageDifference
Overall140100+40.0%
Housing165100+65.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$650,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1800/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,250/mo
Price per Sq Ft$433

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santa Clarita:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$3Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$8Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$261Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Santa Clarita

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $2,160/mo.

Santa Clarita Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,980/mo.

East Santa Clarita

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,620/mo.

West Santa Clarita

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,710/mo.

Remote Work Score

Santa Clarita scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
140
Rent
$1800
Sunny Days
280
Tax
8%
Unemployment
3.8%
Climate
95°F / 45°F

Climate

Santa Clarita has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January65°F45°F2.5"
April80°F60°F2.8"
July95°F70°F1.5"
October75°F63°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 8%
  • Sales Tax: 10%
  • Property Tax: ~0.7% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Santa Clarita, CA, US?

The cost of living index in Santa Clarita is 140, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Santa Clarita?

The median home price in Santa Clarita is $650,000. The housing index is 165.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Clarita is approximately $1800/mo.

Does Santa Clarita, CA have income tax?

Santa Clarita is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 8%.

What is the climate like in Santa Clarita?

Santa Clarita enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.