Whether you're planning to relocate or just visiting, comparing Las Vegas, Nevada to Santa Ana, California means contrasting two very different city experiences. From their distinctly different geographical conditions to the cultural makeup, cost of living, weather, and recreational opportunities, these cities offer diverse living and visiting conditions. This comparison covers several aspects that are crucial for making an informed decision, such as crime rates, cost of living, educational systems, work and economy, infrastructure, taxation, and more.
Distance between
Las Vegas, NV and
Santa Ana, CA : 226.7 miles
Las Vegas's population is larger by 109%. Its population has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) since 2000. The population of Santa Ana has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) during that time.
Crime and safety are significant considerations for anyone planning to move or visit. Both Las Vegas and Santa Ana have higher crime rates than the national average, with Las Vegas somewhat higher than Santa Ana. However, the types of crime common in each city vary, with property crimes being more prevalent in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 4,787 registered sex offenders living in Las Vegas and 415 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Las Vegas is 132 to 1; the ratio in Santa Ana is 805 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Las Vegas than that in Santa Ana.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is generally much higher in Santa Ana due to higher housing costs. Las Vegas, on the other hand, offers more affordable housing options which significantly lowers the overall cost of living. Basic essentials such as groceries and healthcare are slightly cheaper in Las Vegas as well.
Income Tax
Nevada has no state income tax, which can save significant money for residents of Las Vegas compared to Santa Ana, where residents must pay California's state income tax.
Property Tax
Property taxes are also lower in Las Vegas than in Santa Ana. Nevada's property tax rates are among the lowest in the U.S., while California's rates tend to be on the higher side.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Santa Ana is higher at 7.75% compared to Las Vegas, which has a rate of 6.85%. It's vital to keep this in mind as it affects the cost of goods and services.
Income
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Estimated median household income
$59,746
$80,265
Estimated per capita income
$33,825
$26,691
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
99.1
88.6
If you make $50,000 in Santa Ana, you will have to make $55,926 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Las Vegas is located in a desert, surrounded by mountains, and has very little vegetation. Santa Ana is located in Southern California, closer to the coast with more green spaces and beaches nearby.
The Edmonds School District serves Santa Ana, while the Clark County School District serves Las Vegas. Both offer a variety of both public and private school options. Higher education-wise, Santa Ana has the Santa Ana College, while Las Vegas boasts the University of Nevada, among other institutions.
Las Vegas's economy heavily relies on the tourism, gaming, and entertainment industries. In contrast, Santa Ana's economy is more diverse, with sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade playing significant roles. Unemployment rates are typically higher in Las Vegas than in Santa Ana.
Biggest Employers
In Santa Ana, some of the biggest employers include the County of Orange, Tenet Healthcare, and Ingram Micro. In Las Vegas, the top employers are MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and the Clark County School District.
There were 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011) compared to 231 building permits issued in Santa Ana in 2012 (189 more than in 2011).
In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Santa Ana (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
2020
53.7%
53.6%
44.3%
44.6%
2.0%
1.8%
2016
52.4%
50.9%
41.7%
42.4%
5.8%
6.7%
2012
56.4%
45.8%
41.8%
52.0%
1.8%
2.3%
2008
58.5%
47.8%
39.5%
50.3%
2.0%
1.9%
2004
51.8%
39.3%
46.9%
60.2%
1.3%
0.5%
2000
51.4%
40.4%
44.8%
55.9%
3.8%
3.7%
1996
75.5%
37.9%
18.8%
51.7%
5.7%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
26.5%
4.0%
4.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
2.3%
11.2%
8.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.4%
1.6%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.2%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.6%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
1.1%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.1%
0.8%
0.6%
1.3%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.0%
0.2%
Weather
Weather is another key factor to consider. Las Vegas has a desert climate, resulting in very hot, dry summers and mild winters. Santa Ana experiences a Mediterranean climate, meaning mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. For those who prefer ample sunshine, both cities offer plenty of it, but temperatures and humidity can vary significantly.
Weather and climate
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Temperature - Average
65.5°F
65.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
30.7%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42%
26.2%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
78.3%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
10%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
5.7 in
13.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.1%
26.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
91.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
21.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
92%
84.8%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
76%
62.9%
Wind speed - Average
9.2 mph
5.9 mph
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
2018
100
124
0.42
0.34
13.1
14.2
37.2
27.0
N/A
N/A
24.4
27.5
6.0
12.3
0.7
0.7
2017
101
129
0.29
0.35
13.0
13.9
38.5
29.1
N/A
N/A
20.3
26.7
7.3
13.6
0.8
0.5
2016
97
107
0.38
0.35
11.2
12.6
36.5
29.2
N/A
N/A
20.6
24.1
8.7
12.7
0.8
0.2
2015
92
128
0.36
0.32
12.4
13.4
35.6
29.6
N/A
N/A
18.9
25.0
8.4
14.7
1.2
0.2
2014
91
127
0.40
0.29
10.8
13.2
36.5
28.6
N/A
N/A
21.1
26.7
9.2
15.9
1.4
0.4
2013
103
123
0.45
0.34
9.6
13.9
36.9
27.6
0.003
N/A
22.1
28.8
8.6
14.0
1.5
0.3
2012
94
115
0.49
0.31
5.9
12.9
38.5
26.7
0.004
N/A
21.5
27.5
8.3
14.5
1.4
0.1
2011
85
118
0.40
0.31
5.3
14.8
37.5
27.1
0.006
N/A
18.2
27.5
7.8
15.9
1.2
0.7
2010
86
107
0.50
0.34
5.7
14.4
36.6
26.5
0.011
N/A
16.1
23.5
7.1
14.6
N/A
0.6
2009
87
133
0.56
0.35
6.0
16.0
33.3
27.7
0.010
N/A
20.9
24.4
8.3
14.9
N/A
1.1
2008
82
138
0.66
0.38
8.2
17.1
33.0
28.2
0.010
N/A
N/A
30.1
9.2
21.6
N/A
1.1
2007
97
121
0.61
0.36
11.7
17.0
32.4
27.1
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.1
0.8
2006
102
120
0.75
0.40
13.4
17.7
32.7
26.6
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
N/A
0.8
1.3
2005
100
119
0.76
0.40
15.1
18.2
30.2
28.3
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
N/A
5.3
1.3
2004
85
128
0.71
0.50
16.0
19.4
30.6
31.2
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
99
139
0.67
0.64
15.9
22.3
29.8
28.3
0.029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.1
2002
94
122
0.73
0.66
15.7
22.3
30.6
25.1
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.7
2001
95
120
0.76
0.76
15.0
22.6
29.4
25.1
0.036
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.5
2000
95
127
0.88
0.80
14.7
25.7
29.7
23.7
0.028
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
2.1%
19.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,093.4%
6,931.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
32%
Transportation
Santa Ana has excellent transport links with a robust network of buses, trains, and freeways, including the John Wayne Airport. Las Vegas also has good public transportation, mainly through buses, and the city also boasts the McCarran International Airport.
Transport
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
150
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
81
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Bicycle
0.1%
0.2%
Bus
2.2%
0.9%
Carpooled
10.3%
12%
Car alone
82.7%
83.6%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Average
26.3 min
30.4 min
Other means
24 min
25.5 min
Public transportation
49.9 min
48.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.9%
84.6%
In 2 person carpool
8.2%
11.7%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
2.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Santa Ana generally tends to be more expensive than in Las Vegas. This is due to California's high property values and the city's proximity to the coast. Rental prices are also typically higher in Santa Ana.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different needs and lifestyles. Santa Ana features historic neighborhoods like Floral Park, while Las Vegas offers luxurious neighborhoods like Summerlin.
Houses and residents
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Houses
269,602
80,604
Average household size (people)
2.7
4.4
Median year apartment built
1991
1974
Median year house/condo built
1995
1962
Length of stay in the house since moving in
10.1 years
15.9 years
Houses occupied
250,350 (92.9%)
78,674 (97.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
138,677 (55.4%)
35,317 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
111,673 (44.6%)
43,357 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,176
$1,407
Median monthly housing costs
$1,255
$1,836
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$989,410
$976,981
Estimated median house or condo value
$362,400
$623,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.6
Median house price - detached houses
$439,169
$724,856
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,204
$512,474
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$201,871
$351,406
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$327,174
$406,926
Median house price - mobile homes
$113,235
$125,004
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$274,961
$492,339
Median house price - All housing units
$417,434
$648,392
Median house age
27
53
Renting percentage
43.5%
52.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,379.4
2,969.6
House value disparities
27.1%
21.7%
Household income disparities
47.1%
40.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$90,388
$120,617
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$62,287
$74,449
Housing units without a mortgage
1,172 (1.2%)
318 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,450 (4.6%)
1,175 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
95,992 (98.8%)
25,378 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
178 (0.2%)
23 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,092 (5.2%)
1,438 (5.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
5
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
3.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
One, detached
61.5%
46.4%
One, attached
5.3%
5.8%
Two
1.3%
3.6%
3 or 4
7.7%
7.3%
5 to 9
8.4%
5.7%
10 to 19
4.8%
8.8%
20 to 49
2.8%
6.3%
50 or more
6.8%
11.0%
Mobile homes
1.4%
4.9%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
18,990
13,591
State government workers
6,950
3,716
Unpaid family workers
614
355
Industries and Occupations
Las Vegas is synonymously known as the Entertainment Capital, having jobs mainly in hospitality and entertainment sectors. Alternatively, Santa Ana, being part of the Silicon Valley region, has many jobs in the tech industry, healthcare, and retail.
Both cities have numerous healthcare facilities. Las Vegas has access to the University Medical Center and Sunrise Hospital, amongst others. Santa Ana residents have access to facilities like the Children's Hospital of Orange County and Orange County Global Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Santa Ana is an older city with aged roadways and buildings, but efforts towards infrastructure improvement are continuously made. Las Vegas is relatively newer with modern urban design, but infrastructure strain can be an issue due to the city's rapid growth.
Infrastructure
Type
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
Hospitals
39
9
TV stations
12
2
Bank branches located here
281
31
Bank institutions located here
34
13
Main business address for public companies
57
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
32
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Las Vegas
Santa Ana
1999
2,657
955
2000
579
834
2001
371
725
2002
380
933
2003
3,590
1,222
2004
5,908
1,657
2005
7,894
2,302
2006
6,914
2,615
2007
3,733
1,456
2008
1,431
694
2009
813
399
Culture and Food
Las Vegas, often termed Sin City, has a vibrant nightlife and entertainment culture. The city is also renowned for its culinary scene with award-winning restaurants. Santa Ana has a rich history and cultural heritage with a strong influence from its largely Latinx community, reflected in its food and local events.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts in Las Vegas can support professional teams like the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), and the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), amongst others. Santa Ana doesn't have major professional sports teams, but nearby Los Angeles houses various major leagues.
Las Vegas, NV
Santa Ana, CA
Las Vegas, NV and 
Santa Ana, CA : 226.7 miles
