Santa Ana and Tustin are California cities nestled in the heart of Orange County. Both cities offer a unique lifestyle, with each presenting a different set of advantages and disadvantages. The differences predominantly refer to crime and safety, cost of living, education, economy, and infrastructure amongst others. To make an informed decision on relocation or just visiting, understanding the intricacies and peculiarities of both cities is essential. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decipher these California cities better.
Distance between
Santa Ana, CA and
Tustin, CA : 3.9 miles
Santa Ana's population is larger by 290%. Its population has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Tustin has grown by 11,926 people (17.7%) during that time.
Santa Ana unfortunately has higher crime rates compared to Tustin. It ranks above the US average in both violent and property crimes. Tustin, on the other hand, offers a safer environment with crime rates significantly lower than Santa Ana's. The city's commitment to maintaining public safety makes it considerably more appealing for individuals and families seeking a safer living environment.
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 415 registered sex offenders living in Santa Ana and 39 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Santa Ana is 805 to 1; the ratio in Tustin is 2,062 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Santa Ana than that in Tustin.
Cost of Living
Tustin is somewhat more expensive than Santa Ana. Housing, which plays a significant role in the cost of living, is costlier in Tustin compared to Santa Ana. However, the higher cost of living in Tustin can also be associated with a higher median income. Santa Ana, although more affordable, has a lower median income by comparison.
Income Tax
As both cities are in California, residents pay the same income tax rate regardless of whether they reside in Santa Ana or Tustin. The state has a progressive income tax that ranges between 1% and 13.3% depending on individual income levels.
Property Tax
Property tax rates also don't fluctuate much between the two cities. Both Santa Ana and Tustin residents have to pay the same rate, which is currently set at 0.76%.
Sales Tax
Both Santa Ana and Tustin are subject to the same sales tax rate due to their location within the same county. The combined sales tax rate for Santa Ana and Tustin is currently 7.75%.
Income
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Estimated median household income
$80,265
$98,092
Estimated per capita income
$26,691
$45,734
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.6
88.2
If you make $50,000 in Tustin, you will have to make $50,227 in Santa Ana to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities are located in Southern California with relatively flat terrain. Santa Ana benefits from its proximity to the Santa Ana River and nearby mountains. Tustin is closer to the coastline and also includes minor hills, offering appealing landscape views.
Both cities boast high-quality education systems. Santa Ana's school district is the second largest in Orange County and offers robust programming and resources for students. Comparatively, Tustin Unified School District also provides quality education, with an average school rating better than Santa Ana.
The economy of both Santa Ana and Tustin is diverse, but Santa Ana has a significantly larger population, leading to a higher number of job opportunities. Major industries in Santa Ana include professional services, healthcare, and retail while Tustin’s economy thrives on retail, education, and health services.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employer in Santa Ana is the County of Orange, followed by Ingram Micro and the California Department of Education. Tustin, on the other hand, has a diverse mix of employers, with the Tustin Unified School District, Rockwell Collins, and Ricoh Electronics topping the list.
There were 231 building permits issued in Santa Ana in 2012 (189 more than in 2011) compared to 3 building permits issued in Tustin in 2012 (94 less than in 2011).
Weather
Weather conditions are similar in both cities, typical of Southern California, where you can expect warm, dry summers and mild winters. Santa Ana experiences slightly higher temperatures due to its more urban and densely populated nature. Tustin, while less populous, offers slightly cooler weather, more open spaces and access to greenery.
Weather and climate
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Temperature - Average
65.4°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
69.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.2%
25.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.3%
77.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13.8 in
13.2 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%
21.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.8%
84.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
62.8%
Wind speed - Average
5.9 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Average climate in Tustin, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Santa Ana
Tustin
Santa Ana
Tustin
Santa Ana
Tustin
Santa Ana
Tustin
Santa Ana
Tustin
Santa Ana
Tustin
Santa Ana
Tustin
Santa Ana
Tustin
2018
124
124
0.34
0.31
14.2
14.4
27.0
28.3
N/A
N/A
27.5
27.5
12.3
12.4
0.7
0.7
2017
129
129
0.35
0.33
13.9
14.3
29.1
29.8
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
13.6
13.6
0.5
0.5
2016
107
107
0.35
0.31
12.6
13.1
29.2
29.5
N/A
N/A
24.1
24.1
12.7
12.7
0.2
0.2
2015
128
128
0.32
0.28
13.4
13.9
29.6
29.6
N/A
N/A
25.0
25.0
14.7
14.6
0.2
0.2
2014
127
127
0.29
0.26
13.2
13.8
28.6
28.7
N/A
N/A
26.7
26.7
15.9
15.9
0.4
0.4
2013
123
123
0.34
0.32
13.9
14.5
27.6
27.6
0.003
0.003
28.8
28.9
14.0
14.0
0.3
0.3
2012
115
115
0.31
0.32
12.9
13.6
26.7
26.8
0.004
0.004
27.5
27.6
14.5
14.5
0.1
0.1
2011
118
120
0.31
0.30
14.8
15.5
27.1
27.3
0.006
0.006
27.5
27.5
15.9
15.9
0.7
0.7
2010
107
116
0.34
0.33
14.4
15.3
26.5
27.0
0.011
0.011
23.5
24.7
14.6
14.5
0.6
0.6
2009
133
136
0.35
0.33
16.0
16.7
27.7
28.0
0.010
0.009
24.4
25.9
14.9
14.8
1.1
1.1
2008
138
142
0.38
0.38
17.1
17.8
28.2
28.5
0.010
0.008
30.1
31.4
21.6
21.6
1.1
1.1
2007
121
121
0.36
0.36
17.0
17.6
27.1
27.3
0.012
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2006
120
116
0.40
0.41
17.7
18.2
26.6
26.9
0.007
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2005
119
117
0.40
0.41
18.2
19.0
28.3
27.9
0.013
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2004
128
128
0.50
0.49
19.4
20.2
31.2
30.8
0.014
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
139
139
0.64
0.62
22.3
23.2
28.3
27.8
0.029
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.1
2002
122
121
0.66
0.65
22.3
23.0
25.1
24.8
0.019
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.6
2001
120
119
0.76
0.75
22.6
23.5
25.1
24.7
0.036
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.4
2000
127
127
0.80
0.77
25.7
26.7
23.7
23.3
0.028
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
19.1%
19.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,931.4%
6,959.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
32%
Transportation
Santa Ana offers better public transit options in comparison to Tustin, with more bus lines and a dedicated downtown train station. Tustin, while having some public transit options, is more car-dependent with most residents preferring personal vehicles for commuting.
Transport
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
150
53
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Bicycle
0.2%
0.4%
Bus
0.9%
0.9%
Carpooled
12%
10.4%
Car alone
83.6%
85.5%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.1%
0.3%
Subway
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Average
30.4 min
28.6 min
Other means
25.5 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
48.1 min
49.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
87.8%
In 2 person carpool
11.7%
8.6%
In 3 person carpool
2.7%
2.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.7%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Tustin generally has a higher value compared to Santa Ana, reflective of its lower crime rates and higher median income. Housing in Santa Ana, however, is more affordable for the same reason.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in Santa Ana lean more towards urban living, while Tustin offers a more suburban feel. Santa Ana is known for its vibrant downtown area, historic homes, and cultural diversity. Tustin is lauded for its friendly, family-oriented communities with beautifully landscaped streets.
Houses and residents
Type
Santa Ana
Tustin
Houses
80,604
27,550
Average household size (people)
4.4
3
Median year apartment built
1974
1978
Median year house/condo built
1962
1990
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.9 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
78,674 (97.6%)
26,762 (97.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
35,317 (44.9%)
13,530 (50.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
43,357 (55.1%)
13,232 (49.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,407
$2,087
Median monthly housing costs
$1,836
$2,054
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$976,981
$253,305
Estimated median house or condo value
$623,000
$727,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$724,856
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$351,406
$491,899
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$406,926
$493,118
Median house price - mobile homes
$125,004
$209,238
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$492,339
$538,007
Median house price - All housing units
$648,392
$823,060
Median house age
53
41
Renting percentage
52.5%
49.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,969.6
2,416.7
House value disparities
21.7%
24%
Household income disparities
40.4%
40.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,617
$141,706
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$74,449
$87,829
Housing units without a mortgage
318 (1.2%)
388 (4.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,175 (4.6%)
930 (10.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
25,378 (98.8%)
8,627 (95.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
23 (0.1%)
133 (1.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
1,438 (5.6%)
1,126 (12.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
5
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.3%
2.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Santa Ana
Tustin
One, detached
46.4%
36.6%
One, attached
5.8%
16.2%
Two
3.6%
1.0%
3 or 4
7.3%
8.3%
5 to 9
5.7%
4.7%
10 to 19
8.8%
6.1%
20 to 49
6.3%
7.7%
50 or more
11.0%
14.6%
Mobile homes
4.9%
4.8%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,591
2,567
State government workers
3,716
1,251
Unpaid family workers
355
0
Industries and Occupations
Santa Ana has a wide array of industries, ranging from health care and professional services to hospitality. In contrast, Tustin has a significant presence of education, scientific, and technical services. Both cities offer a diverse workforce, contributing to their robust economies.
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations
8.7%
4.0%
Production occupations
7.0%
3.6%
Healthcare support occupations
6.4%
2.7%
Management occupations
6.3%
11.2%
Business and financial operations occupations
4.8%
7.8%
Educational instruction, and library occupations
4.7%
8.5%
Personal care and service occupations
4.6%
2.5%
Material moving occupations
4.3%
1.7%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations
3.0%
11.0%
Computer and mathematical occupations
2.0%
2.3%
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations
1.7%
0.7%
Transportation occupations
1.6%
1.2%
Health technologists and technicians
1.6%
1.7%
Community and social service occupations
1.5%
1.8%
Legal occupations
1.5%
2.6%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
1.3%
1.6%
Life, physical, and social science occupations
0.2%
1.5%
Health Care
Santa Ana and Tustin both have access to high-quality healthcare facilities. Santa Ana houses several top-ranked hospitals, including Santa Ana Hospital and Coastal Communities Hospital. Tustin, although smaller, has strategic access to the nearby larger healthcare facilities in Irvine and Anaheim.
Santa Ana has a more urban feel, with its infrastructure primarily consisting of commercial businesses, apartment complexes, and tightly-packed residential areas. Tustin, while less densely populated, offers a blend of commercial and residential spaces that result in a somewhat suburban vibe, with more open spaces and parks.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Santa Ana
Tustin
1999
955
219
2000
834
91
2001
725
63
2002
933
67
2003
1,222
239
2004
1,657
389
2005
2,302
477
2006
2,615
448
2007
1,456
436
2008
694
164
2009
399
90
Culture and Food
Culture and food scene of both cities offers a distinct flavor. Santa Ana is known for its rich Hispanic culture and diversity of food options, with an emphasis on authentic Mexican cuisine. Tustin, also a diverse community, offers a variety of restaurants and food outlets, showcasing global cuisines from sushi to Italian.
Sports Teams
Neither Santa Ana nor Tustin have major league sports teams. However, they are both relatively close to Anaheim, home to the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and the Los Angeles Angels (MLB). Local sports events are therefore easily accessible from either city.
Santa Ana, CA
Tustin, CA
Santa Ana, CA and 
Tustin, CA : 3.9 miles
