Cost of Living Comparison between Rockford, IL vs Santa Ana, CA

Stores like HEB are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Santa Ana, CA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Santa Ana, CA. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Santa Ana, California to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Santa Ana child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $11817 per year. California, is ranked NO. 11 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

In Santa Ana,CA, my friend pays $1857 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

The sales tax for Santa Ana is 7.25%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

You are in luck! Santa Ana, California is ranked NO. 21 in the U.S. for public transportation quality. Having a good public transit system to use will reduce travel expenses and your overall cost of living. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

Unfortunately, driving in Santa Ana, California is not very easy and may take up a lot of your time. It is ranked as number 73 in the United States, making it below average in driver friendliness. This means that the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

The weather in Santa Ana is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Santa Ana is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Santa Ana, California. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. This could translate into significant reduction in your cost of living. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-11-21 salary.com )