Last update: Oct 2026 United States 182.4K

Cost of Living in Santa Clarita, CA

For one person, living costs in Santa Clarita, CA are estimated at $3,822 a month, including rent and utilities – 42% above the national average. Rent and utilities take about two thirds of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Santa Clarita, CA

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Santa Clarita, CA actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $3,822 monthly including rent, or $1,180 excluding housing.

$3,822 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $5,089 with rent, or $2,077 without housing.

$5,089 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $6,356 including rent, or $2,975 for daily expenses alone.

$6,356 /mo
Currency
Do you live in Santa Clarita, CA? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.96 $19.96
$9.98 $9.98
$39.93 $39.93
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$101 $101
$65.6 $65.6
$202 $202
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$15.04 $15.04
$13.03 $13.03
$17.04 $17.04
Cappuccino
$6.11 $6.11
$5.10 $5.10
$10.20 $10.20
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.65 $3.65
$2.98 $2.98
$5.96 $5.96
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.97 $2.97
$1.98 $1.98
$3.96 $3.96
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.20 $8.20
$7.17 $7.17
$12.30 $12.30
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.04 $9.04
$8.04 $8.04
$16.07 $16.07
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.18 $1.18
$1.09 $1.09
$1.63 $1.63
White Bread (500g)
$4.08 $4.08
$3.08 $3.08
$7.93 $7.93
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.94 $4.94
$3.27 $3.27
$9.79 $9.79
Eggs
$4.94 $4.94
$2.78 $2.78
$7.09 $7.09
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.19 $19.19
$13.09 $13.09
$39.26 $39.26
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.23 $8.23
$7.94 $7.94
$22.68 $22.68
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$16.68 $16.68
$10.81 $10.81
$54.1 $54.1
Apples (1kg)
$6.43 $6.43
$4.29 $4.29
$10.71 $10.71
Banana (1kg)
$2.04 $2.04
$2.00 $2.00
$5.62 $5.62
Oranges (1kg)
$3.06 $3.06
$2.00 $2.00
$11.25 $11.25
Tomato (1kg)
$3.03 $3.03
$2.79 $2.79
$13.35 $13.35
Potato (1kg)
$8.51 $8.51
$2.17 $2.17
$10.83 $10.83
Onion (1kg)
$4.85 $4.85
$1.64 $1.64
$8.87 $8.87
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.60 $3.60
$2.06 $2.06
$4.12 $4.12
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.71 $2.71
$1.96 $1.96
$3.94 $3.94
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.48 $11.48
$10.38 $10.38
$23.53 $23.53
Wine (Bottle)
$15.76 $15.76
$9.85 $9.85
$29.55 $29.55
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.75 $1.75
$1.75 $1.75
$4.33 $4.33
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.37 $4.37
$3.89 $3.89
$4.86 $4.86
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.55 $2.55
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.78 $26.78
$19.84 $19.84
$33.72 $33.72
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.85 $2.85
$2.85 $2.85
$2.85 $2.85
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.53 $2.53
$2.53 $2.53
$4.41 $4.41
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$60.8 $60.8
$60.8 $60.8
$71.0 $71.0
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.33 $1.33
$1.18 $1.18
$1.73 $1.73
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.4K $23.4K
$20.1K $20.1K
$37.9K $37.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.2K $26.2K
$25.3K $25.3K
$35.7K $35.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$229 $229
$153 $153
$552 $552
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$55.7 $55.7
$32.84 $32.84
$159 $159
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$71.6 $71.6
$60.5 $60.5
$140 $140
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.08 $37.08
$29.06 $29.06
$45.09 $45.09
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$25.22 $25.22
-
Cinema Ticket
$14.23 $14.23
$12.20 $12.20
$17.28 $17.28
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,402 $1,402
$984 $984
$1,820 $1,820
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$37.2K $37.2K
$37.2K $37.2K
$37.2K $37.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$74.7 $74.7
$54.8 $54.8
$117 $117
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.07 $27.07
$14.77 $14.77
$53.2 $53.2
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$72.1 $72.1
$49.72 $49.72
$149 $149
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$108 $108
$68.8 $68.8
$148 $148
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,850 $2,850
$2,646 $2,646
$3,053 $3,053
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,414 $2,414
$2,365 $2,365
$2,463 $2,463
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,759 $3,759
$3,530 $3,530
$3,922 $3,922
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$3,152 $3,152
$2,857 $2,857
$3,448 $3,448
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,695 $3,695
$2,003 $2,003
$5,386 $5,386
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,359 $4,359
$3,814 $3,814
$4,904 $4,904
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$5,179 $5,179
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.49
5.99
7.58

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Santa Clarita, CA $3,822
Accommodation & Living
$2.4K
Groceries & Markets
$444
Eating Out
$364
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$356
Clothing & Footwear
$127
Sport & Entertainment
$66
Getting Around
$52

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $2,850 for a central one-bedroom, or $2,414 outside the center. At 55% of the average salary ($5,179), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $5,179, while typical expenses reach $3,822. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $5,734.

Expect to spend about $444 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $101 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $26.78 per month.

Cost Highlights

1-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Local beer is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Fast food meal is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
12:36 12:36 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
182,371
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Santa Clarita, CA

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Santa Clarita, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Santa Clarita, CA - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Clarita affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to Los Angeles?
Santa Clarita offers a balanced mix of suburban comfort and access to city amenities, making it appealing for travelers who want quiet neighborhoods without giving up Los Angeles opportunities. Cost of Living in Santa Clarita, CA, United States tends to be more moderate than central LA, with housing options that are more affordable than coastal cities and more predictable everyday costs. You’ll find family-friendly neighborhoods, good schools, and a car-friendly layout that reduces some transit hassles. Expect a practical mix of groceries, dining, and services, with plenty of outdoor recreation nearby. Tip: Choose a neighborhood with flexible lease terms or month-to-month options to test fit before committing.
What does daily life look like in Santa Clarita, including housing search, food options, and getting around?
Day-to-day budgeting in Santa Clarita starts with housing options that fit your routine and lease length. When you plan, consider Santa Clarita, CA, United States living cost across groceries, meals, and transport. Neighborhoods like Valencia or Newhall offer a mix of quieter streets and easy shopping, while rentals range from compact apartments to townhomes with parking. Food choices span farmers markets, casual eateries, and family-owned spots that won’t overwhelm your budget. Commuting is car-friendly, with some suburban bus routes and a Metrolink line a short ride away for occasional trips to LA. Tip: set a weekly grocery list and a 2-3-errand route to cut back on drives.
What factors maximize quality of life in Santa Clarita, and how should you budget seasonally and choose a neighborhood?
Quality of life in Santa Clarita hinges on outdoor access, safety, and proximity to parks and trails. Build a simple budgeting framework around housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then adapt for the seasons - hot summers can push cooling costs, and mild winters keep outdoor activities enjoyable. Choose a neighborhood based on your pace: Valencia for easy shopping and good schools, Newhall for a more historic feel and often more attainable rents, or Canyon Country for a quieter, more affordable vibe. Tap into local farmers markets, coffee spots with reliable wifi, and weekend hiking or cycling routes. Tip: test a few neighborhoods across different seasons before committing to a long lease.
How expensive is daily life in Santa Clarita, CA?
Budget at least $3,822 per month to live in Santa Clarita, CA once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
How much of a salary does housing take in Santa Clarita, CA?
With 55% of the average paycheck going to rent, Santa Clarita, CA is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
Is the average income in Santa Clarita, CA enough to cover living costs and save?
At $5,179 take-home, most residents in Santa Clarita, CA can cover the $3,822 monthly cost of living. Those earning $5,734 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Santa Clarita, CA?
Where you live in Santa Clarita, CA makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $2,850; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $2,414. Overall, the market runs from $2,414 to $2,850 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Santa Clarita, CA?
A monthly transit pass in Santa Clarita, CA goes for roughly $26.78, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Santa Clarita, CA?
Childcare averages $1,402 monthly at a private kindergarten in Santa Clarita, CA. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Santa Clarita, CA?
At $3,822 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,500 budget barely covers Santa Clarita, CA. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Is Santa Clarita, CA a good city to live in long-term?
Santa Clarita, CA offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, remote work facilities, and at around $3,822 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.

Santa Clarita, CA vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?