CostIndexUSA

Irving, TX vs Santa Cruz, CA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableTX
Irving
103.1
overall index
$1,775/mo rent
CA
Santa Cruz
109.9
overall index
$3,425/mo rent

Irving is moderately cheaper than Santa Cruz — 6.6% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Irving, you would need $85,300 in Santa Cruz. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+39.4%
Irving
117.9
Santa Cruz
164.3
🛒 Groceries+2.3%
Irving
102.8
Santa Cruz
105.2
🚗 Transportation+0.6%
Irving
104.7
Santa Cruz
105.3
🏥 Healthcare+0.6%
Irving
94.7
Santa Cruz
95.3
Utilities+68.4%
Irving
90.7
Santa Cruz
152.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Irving to see what you'd need to earn in Santa Cruz to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Santa Cruz, CA
$85,300
$5,300 more needed in Santa Cruz

Formula: salary × (109.9 ÷ 103.1) = salary × 1.0660. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Irving, TX

Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,775
Housing Index
117.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.1×

Santa Cruz, CA

Median Home Price
$1,091,000
Median Monthly Rent
$3,425
Housing Index
164.3
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.5×

Santa Cruz has 39.4% higher housing costs compared to Irving.

Income & Job Market

Irving, TX

Median Household Income
$86,900
Per Capita Income
$49,500
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Population
256,684
Top Industries
TechnologyFinanceManufacturingLogisticsHealthcare

Santa Cruz, CA

Median Household Income
$105,600
Per Capita Income
$60,200
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Population
64,725
Top Industries
EducationTechnologyTourismAgricultureHealthcare

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Irving, TX
4.1×income-to-rent ratio

75% of income left after rent (median)

Santa Cruz, CA
2.6×income-to-rent ratio

61% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.