In the heart of Orange County, California is where you’ll find Santa Ana. Just a few miles away from the beach and boasting its own museums, a charming downtown area, and zoo, this city sure does make a name for itself.
Cost of living in Santa Ana
So how much does it cost to live in Santa Ana? Well, here are some facts and figures about the average cost of living to keep in mind.
- Rent: The average cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,114 as of August 2022.
- Transportation: Depending on your car payment and gas prices, transportation costs can fluctuate. A monthly pass for public transportation will cost around $69 on average.
- Food costs: Residents in the Greater Los Angeles area spend 12.4% of their household budget on food, similar to the national average, according to a 2020 report. Of this food budget, 52.9% is spent on meals at home, and 47.1% is spent on dining out.
- Taxes: Sales tax in Santa Ana is 6.5%.
Utilities
The average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment is around $144, according to Numbeo. For more detailed information on services and pricing, visit the service provider websites:
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- Gas: Southern California Gas Company
- Electricity: Southern California Edison (SCE)
- Garbage & Recycling: Waste Management: Garbage and recycling
- Water and sewage: City of Santa Ana
Internet services can vary, but you should expect to pay around $40-$80. Some of the prominent providers in the Santa Ana area include:
Weather
No snowfall and an average of just 23 rainy days per year? Welcome to sunny Santa Ana! Average highs in this city are just 76 degrees in the warmer months, and the beach is just a short drive away so that ocean breeze helps keep things cool. The Santa Ana winds also contribute to cool summer evenings, but they can also cause dangerous wildfires, so always have an evacuation plan in place.
Santa Ana neighborhoods
Of course, living in certain neighborhoods can alter your cost of living, so here are a few popular areas that locals prefer.
Historic French Park: This is perhaps the most charming of all the Santa Ana neighborhoods. Antique homes and tree-lined streets are the norm in this 20-block district, and its convenience to downtown is a major perk. The Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center is located just
Park Santiago: Its namesake, Santiago Park, sits on the northern border of this neighborhood and features an archery range, lawn bowling, ample walking trails, and plenty of green space for everything else. The rest of this hood is residential, but north of the park is MainPlace Mall, where you can get all your shopping done.
South Coast: South of downtown and bordering neighboring Costa Mesa, South Coast is home to upscale shopping plazas and dining. It also provides easy access to both the 405 and Highway 55 so commuters love this hood.
Wilshire Square: A quaint and community-driven neighborhood, Wilshire Square is the type of place that just feels like home. Every summer, the hood hosts a summer concert where locals bring picnic baskets, a bottle of wine, and a blanket to enjoy live music at the park.
Don’t miss
The Bowers Museum is a Santa Ana gem. The Bowers offers exhibitions, lectures, and community programs, along with beautiful grounds. The nearby Discovery Cube Orange County is a kid-friendly museum with hands-on exhibitions; the perfect place to spend a weekend with family. The Santa Ana Artwalk is a local favorite, and it takes place downtown on the first Saturday of each month. Stroll through the downtown streets, grab dinner, and buy some local, handcrafted artwork.
Transportation
The OCTA, or Orange County Transit Authority, is the main form of public transportation in Santa Ana. Amtrak is also an option if you want to get out of town, as it has routes to many other cities in the area. Take the Amtrak from the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and head to nearby Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, or Downtown LA.
How to get to Santa Ana
Out-of-staters can fly into John Wayne International Airport, conveniently located in Santa Ana, just south of the downtown area. If you’re driving, hop on the 405 or the 5 and it’ll take you right to Santa Ana.
Tips for moving to Santa Ana
- Do: Spend a day the the Santa Ana Zoo. Check out more than 350 animals and let the kids get up close in the petting barnyard.
- Don’t: Underestimate the Mexican food. From the mouthwatering carne asada tacos at Taqueria El Zamorano to the chilaquiles at El Mestizo, you can hardly go wrong.
- Do: Explore Old Downtown Santa Ana and its burgeoning food scene. Take a stroll starting at 4th and Main Street and you might just stumble upon your new favorite restaurant.
- Don’t: Miss the Downtown Santa Ana Farmers’ Market every Sunday from 10am-1pm. Get your fresh produce, specialty coffee, and homemade salsa at this community-driven market.
Santa Ana is an ideal place to live. From the near-perfect weather to the community-focused downtown, this city offers locals a pleasant lifestyle. If you’re thinking of moving to a specific neighborhood, be sure to check our Santa Ana apartments for rent and take a look at your favorite hood.
*Featured image courtesy of The OC Register.
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