Relative area comparison
Santa Ana, CA
Central Coast, CA
Santa Ana, CA vs Central Coast, CA
Santa Ana, a lively metropolitan area in the heart of Orange County, contrasts with the Central Coast's scenic beach towns and serene wine country. While Santa Ana offers a faster-paced, urban environment packed with a rich cultural scene, the Central Coast provides a laid-back atmosphere with unparalleled natural beauty. Accordingly, these two regions offer distinctly different living experiences, ranging from crime rates and cost of living to cultural offerings and sports teams. This comprehensive comparison will help prospective residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about the amenities, opportunities, and lifestyle offered by each location.
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Distance between 
Santa Ana, CA and 
Central Coast, CA : 7.1 miles
Santa Ana, CA and
Central Coast, CA : 7.1 miles
Santa Ana's population is larger by 30%. Its population has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) since 2000.
| Population | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,441 | 238,434 |
| Female / male percentage | 48.9% / 51.1%
|
50% / 50%
|
Crime and Safety
Santa Ana has higher crime rates compared to the national average, especially in property crime. However, crime rates vary significantly among different neighborhoods. In contrast, many towns on the Central Coast have crime rates significantly lower than the national average, making it a safer region overall. Despite this, it's always prudent for both residents and visitors to stay informed about local crime news and take standard precautions to ensure their personal safety.
Cost of Living
Due to its proximity to Los Angeles and high real estate prices, the cost of living in Santa Ana is higher than the national average. However, relative to other California cities, it's slightly more affordable. The Central Coast, particularly in the beach towns, is also above the national average but can vary widely, with some inland areas being more affordable. Both regions skew more expensive in terms of essential goods, services, and housing.
Income Tax
Income tax in both Santa Ana and the Central Coast follows California state guidelines, with rates ranging from 1% on the lower end to 13.3% at the highest income bracket. These rates apply regardless of the specific city or region within the state.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Santa Ana are typically around 1% based on the assessed value of the property, similar to the rest of the state. However, increased home values in Santa Ana can result in higher property tax bills. The Central Coast's property tax rates are similar but can vary depending on the specific county and local tax measures.
Sales Tax
Both areas impose California’s standard sales tax rate of 7.25%. However, additional local sales taxes push Santa Ana's total sales tax to around 8.25%, while the Central Coast's total sales tax varies by county and city but generally ranges from 7.75% to 9%.
| Income | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated median household income | $80,265 | $106,582 |
| Estimated per capita income | $26,691 | $70,103 |
| Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) | 88.6 | 101.8 |
If you make $50,000 in Santa Ana, you will have to make $57,449 in Central Coast to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Santa Ana lies in a coastal basin, enjoying a relatively flat landscape with a few rolling hills. Its proximity to the beach and nearby mountains offers opportunities for outdoor activities. The Central Coast spans a much larger area, with dramatic coastal cliffs, scenic beaches, and verdant inland valleys, home to vineyards and farmland.
| Geographical information | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Land area | 27.1 sq. miles | 50.4 sq. miles |
| Population density | 11,401 people per sq. mile | 4,732.1 people per sq. mile |
Santa Ana, CA
Central Coast, CA
Education
Both Santa Ana and the Central Coast have a variety of educational opportunities. Santa Ana boasts several reputable public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like Santa Ana College and the Art Institute of California. The Central Coast is home to California Polytechnic State University and several community colleges. School districts in both areas actively promote student success and learning.
| Education level (25-year-olds and older) | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 46.3% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 5.5% | 17.3% |
| High school or higher | 70.9% | 88.6% |
Work and Economy
Santa Ana has a diverse economy, with sectors ranging from retail and healthcare to education and government services. In contrast, the Central Coast's economy is primarily based on sectors like agriculture, tourism, and wine production. Job opportunities and wages differ depending on the specific industry and occupation, with Santa Ana generally offering a larger variety of career prospects.
Biggest Employers
In Santa Ana, some of the biggest employers include the County of Orange, Ingram Micro, and Tenet Healthcare. On the Central Coast, major employers include vineyards and agricultural companies, the California Men's Colony, and Cal Poly State University. Choosing between these regions should factor in the prospective industry of work and the presence of relevant major employers.
Weather
Both Santa Ana and the Central Coast feature Mediterranean-like climates, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Santa Ana tends to be somewhat hotter, especially during peak summer months, while the coastal towns typically boast cooler and more moderate temperatures owing to the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean. Tourists often prefer the Central Coast for its perfect beach weather, although Santa Ana's consistent warm weather has its appeal as well.
| Weather and climate | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature - Average | 65.4°F | 62.4°F |
| Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity | 69.9% | 69.7% |
| Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity | 26.2% | 26% |
| Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 78.3% | 78.1% |
| Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 52% | 52% |
| Precipitation - Yearly average | 13.8 in | 12.1 in |
| Snowfall - Yearly average | 0 in | 0 in |
| Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds | 26.5% | 26.6% |
| Sunshine amount - Average | 78.4% | 78.3% |
| Sunshine amount - Differences during a year | 21.9% | 21.7% |
| Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly | 84.8% | 84.4% |
| Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly | 62.9% | 62.7% |
| Wind speed - Average | 5.9 mph | 5.8 mph |
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Average climate in Central Coast, California
| Natural disasters | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado activity compared to U.S. average | 19.1% | 18.4% |
| Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average | 6,931.4% | 6,801.5% |
| Natural disasters compared to U.S. average | 32% | 32% |
Transportation
Santa Ana has a well-developed public transit system, including buses and rail services, making it highly accessible for commuters. Meanwhile, the public transportation options in the Central Coast are more limited, particularly in the rural areas. For shorter commutes and a broader range of public transit options, Santa Ana is the practical choice.
| Transport | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak stations | 1 | 0 |
| Amtrak stations nearby | 3 | 3 |
| FAA registered aircraft | 150 | 0 |
| FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers | 15 | 0 |
| Means of transportation to work | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 1.8% |
| Bus | 0.9% | 2.4% |
| Carpooled | 12% | 9% |
| Car alone | 83.6% | 75.9% |
| Motorcycle | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Railroad | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Walked | 1.4% | 4.4% |
| Average travel time to work | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Average | 30.4 min | 23.2 min |
Real Estate
Real estate in Santa Ana is a mix of older, historic homes and new developments, with prices significantly above the national average. The Central Coast offers a variety of real estate options, from beachfront homes to ranch-style houses in wine country, also typically priced above the national median. Buyers and renters in both regions should be prepared for competitive markets.
Neighborhoods
Santa Ana offers a blend of historic and modern neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. The Central Coast is known for its picturesque beach towns and rustic wine country villages, each boasting distinct personalities. Both regions offer neighborhoods with a sense of community and amenities, so choosing between the two often depends on personal preference.
| Houses and residents | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Houses | 80,604 | 96,674 |
| Average household size (people) | 4.4 | 2.4 |
| Houses occupied | 78,674 (97.6%) | 90,435 (93.5%) |
| Houses occupied by owners | 35,317 (44.9%) | 43,559 (48.2%) |
| Houses occupied by renters | 43,357 (55.1%) | 46,876 (51.8%) |
| Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units | $1,407 | $2,849 |
| Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos | $976,981 | $1,099,558 |
| Estimated median house or condo value | $623,000 | Over $1,000,000 |
| Median number of rooms in apartments | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Median number of rooms in houses and condos | 5.6 | 6.1 |
| Renting percentage | 52.5% | 53.9% |
| Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) | 2,969.6 | 1,918.7 |
| Household income disparities | 40.4% | 38.4% |
| Housing units without a mortgage | 318 (1.2%) | 8,041 (21.3%) |
| Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan | 1,175 (4.6%) | 100 (0.3%) |
| Housing units with a mortgage | 25,378 (98.8%) | 29,764 (78.7%) |
| Housing units with a home equity loan | 23 (0.1%) | 3,303 (8.7%) |
| Housing units with a second mortgage | 1,438 (5.6%) | 3,451 (9.1%) |
| Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities | 3.3% | 0.7% |
Industries and Occupations
Growing sectors in Santa Ana include healthcare, education, and technology, offering a variety of job opportunities. On the Central Coast, much of the employment centers around agriculture, hospitality, and viticulture, with strong seasonal variations due to tourism and harvest seasons. Both have opportunities for entrepreneurs and freelancers, particularly in the digital and creative fields.
Health Care
Residents in Santa Ana have access to excellent healthcare facilities like the Children's Hospital of Orange County and Orange County Global Medical Center. The Central Coast is home to reputable hospitals like French Hospital Medical Center and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Both locations offer quality medical services and healthcare specialists.
Infrastructure
Santa Ana's infrastructure is well-developed and continually improving, benefiting from its urban setting and proximity to Los Angeles. This includes advanced telecommunication systems, robust utilities, and streamlined public services. On the Central Coast, infrastructure varies significantly by town. Some areas offer similar amenities to Santa Ana, while more rural parts may not provide the same level of infrastructure.
| Infrastructure | ||
| Type | Santa Ana | Central Coast |
|---|---|---|
| TV stations | 2 | 2 |
Culture and Food
Santa Ana is recognized for its vibrant Latino culture, arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings, including food markets and eateries serving authentic cuisines. On the other hand, the Central Coast is known for its wine culture, farm-to-table restaurants, and seafood specialty. Tourists will enjoy the flavor of both regions, while residents will appreciate the rich cultural offerings.
Sports Teams
While Santa Ana doesn't host any major sports teams, it offers easy access to the teams in Los Angeles and Orange County, such as the LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, and Anaheim Ducks. The Central Coast doesn't have any professional teams, but the Cal Poly Mustangs provide plenty of collegiate sports excitement.