47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
51
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Santa Ana wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Santa Ana wins 1–3 overall (51/100)
💰 Santa Ana is more affordable
💼 Santa Ana has lower unemployment
🛡️ Santa Ana has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Santa Ana — The Verdict
Santa Ana scores 51.2/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Santa Ana has a clear edge with home prices 24% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Santa Ana has a notably lower disaster history with 34 fewer declarations in 20 years. Santa Ana may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Santa Ana are 24% lower — a difference of $198,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Los Angeles saves you $94/month — that's $1,128 per year.
💵
Households in Santa Ana earn $7,966 more per year (10% higher median income).
🛡️
Santa Ana has experienced 34 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$624,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,885
Median Income
$76,244
$84,210
The affordability gap is significant — Santa Ana offers home prices 24% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $198,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
5.5%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
20
Santa Ana has a markedly lower disaster history — 34 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Santa Ana: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Santa Ana is more affordable overall. Home prices are $198,600 lower in Santa Ana. Monthly rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles vs $1,885 in Santa Ana.
Does Los Angeles or Santa Ana have better weather?
Los Angeles scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Los Angeles or Santa Ana better for finding a job?
Santa Ana currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 5.5% in Santa Ana. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $84,210 in Santa Ana.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Santa Ana is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Santa Ana. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Santa Ana.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Santa Ana?
Based on our data, Santa Ana scores 51.2/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Santa Ana is more affordable, while Los Angeles has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.